A research desk produces a document. A sourcing or buying agent produces a purchase. The two are sometimes mistaken for each other because both start with a supplier search, and the mistake costs buyers either an order nobody wanted placed or a report nobody could act on. This page sets out what LATYNEX Research does, what it deliberately does not do, and how it can sit alongside an agent you already use.
With a desk, you buy a structured answer to a research question, with sources and a note on what could not be established. Nothing is ordered, negotiated or paid to a supplier on your behalf. With an agent, you buy a service that carries out part of the purchase, usually contact, negotiation and order follow-up. If you already have an agent, a desk report is a second look at the candidates the agent proposes. If you do not, the report is the input to your own decision, and the order stays with you.
A research report is the same whether or not a purchase goes ahead.
General description of the two kinds of service. An agent's terms depend on the agent.
| Question | Research desk | Sourcing or buying agent |
|---|---|---|
| What you receive | A shortlist or report with a matrix, a source log and a limits note | Quotes, samples or a managed order, as agreed with the agent |
| Who talks to the supplier | You. The desk works from public and provided sources | The agent, on your behalf |
| What it does not do | Negotiate, order, pay, inspect or follow production | May not publish a source log of its checks |
| Link to the sale | None. The report is the same whether or not you buy | May be tied to an order going through |
| How findings are marked | Verified fact, inference, unavailable or client-provided | As the agent's own reporting sets them out |
Shipping is a separate LATYNEX service and is not part of a research report.
The desk reviews the agent's candidates against public records and marks anything that does not match.
The desk supplies the shortlist and comparison, and every contact and purchase stays with you.
The desk shows what a direct search returns first, so the choice rests on what remains to be done.
Research reports what can be established from public and provided sources. It is not a guarantee about a counterparty's future conduct and not legal advice.
No. LATYNEX Research does not negotiate, order or pay.
No. The report does not rank or recommend agents.
It can only add a view built from outside sources. Open points are listed for you to put to the agent.
No obligation. We read your request and reply with a straight answer.
Tell us what you need to find out and by when. We confirm scope before any work starts.
Request research