International Shopping

International Shopping is a variant of the shopping method used in MDB-financed projects where the implementing agency collects written price quotations from potential suppliers in more than one country, bringing in a cross-border competitive element without the overhead of a full tender process.

What is International Shopping?

International Shopping uses the same basic framework as ordinary shopping: at least three written price quotations, award to the lowest technically acceptable offer, no formal bidding documents, and no bid security. The distinguishing feature is that at least two of the invited suppliers must be based in different countries, giving the competition an international character. This is typically required for off-the-shelf goods, standard equipment, or routine commodities where a domestic market alone may not yield competitive prices.

Implementing agencies use International Shopping for contracts that are too small for icb or ncb but large enough that the borrower country's domestic supply is limited or uncompetitive. The World Bank and other MDBs specify the applicable threshold in the project's loan agreement and procurement-plan. Because there are no published notices, suppliers typically learn of opportunities through prior relationships, country office outreach, or regional business networks.

Why International Shopping matters for bidders

International Shopping is one of the easier entry points into MDB-funded supply chains for small or mid-size exporters. The process is fast, the documentation requirements are light, and competition is usually limited to a handful of firms. The key challenge is awareness: you need to be on the radar of project implementation units before quotation requests go out. Maintaining an accurate supplier profile on the relevant MDB portal and building relationships with country-level procurement officers dramatically increases the likelihood of receiving an invitation.

FAQ

How many suppliers must be approached in International Shopping?

At least three written quotations are required, with suppliers based in at least two different countries to ensure an international competitive element.

Is International Shopping advertised publicly?

Generally not. Quotation requests are sent directly to known suppliers. The existence of a contract may appear in the project procurement plan, but no formal notice is published.

What value of contracts use International Shopping?

Thresholds vary by MDB and country, but International Shopping typically applies to goods contracts below $100,000 to $300,000. Check the project's procurement plan for the specific ceiling.