supplier-researchlisted

# Supplier Research Researches whether a candidate product can actually be sourced, then records the outcome via `hunt supplier-set` — the **only** mechanism in the engine that can move the supplier hard gate off its default `UNKNOWN` state. Full vocabulary and human-origination rules live in `references/supplier-ip.md`; read it before using this Skill. ## When to use this For a promising candidate (typically at `COMPETITOR_ANALYSIS` or later — supplier feasibility matters most once a candidate has survived earlier, cheaper filters; see `time-budget-controller.md`) where sourcing feasibility is still unknown. ## Step 1 — Check what's already recorded ``` hunt supplier-show <opportunity_id> ``` `NOT_YET_VALIDATED` means nothing is recorded yet. Otherwise, review the existing record before deciding whether new research is warranted (`time-budget-controller.md` Rule 2). ## Step 2 — Legitimate research approaches Treat manufacturer directories (Alibaba, Global Sources, similar B2B marketplaces), trade-show listings, and direct manufacturer/brand websites as **research targets** — sources to search and read, the same way any web search works. This is not scraping and not automated data extraction; it is using a browser or search tool to find publicly available supplier listings, MOQs, and stated pricing, the same way a human sourcing manager would. Useful signals to look for: - Whether multiple suppliers appear to manufacture this product category at all (a complete abs