How It Works
How it works: for buyers and for sellers.
The GTH process goes from product search to confirmed shipment. Here's exactly what happens at each step.
Buyer Journey
If you're buying hardwood
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01
Create your account
Register on catastico.eu. Your account is reviewed and approved before you can full access the marketplace. This keeps the platform trade-only, no anonymous browsing, no junk enquiries.
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02
Search the marketplace
Filter products by species, dimensions, quality grade, country of origin, and supply status. Sellers list with full specifications so you know exactly what you're looking at before you make contact.
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03
Send an RFQ
When you find a product that matches your requirements, you submit a Request for Quotation. You specify quantity, required lead time, delivery terms, and any specific documentation you need for EUDR or customs.
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04
Review the quote
The seller responds with pricing, availability, and lead time. You can ask questions, request changes, or accept. All communication stays inside the platform, with a full comment and change history.
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05
Confirm the order
Once both sides agree, the sales order is created. Payment terms, packaging requirements, and shipping details are confirmed at this stage.
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06
Documents and shipment
The seller uploads shipping documents, certificates, and compliance records directly to the order. You can track the shipment status and access all documents from your dashboard.
Seller Journey
If you're selling hardwood
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01
Register and get verified
Apply for a seller account on catastico.eu. GTH reviews your business details, certifications, and documentation before approving your listing access. This protects buyers and maintains the quality of the marketplace.
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02
List your products
Add inventory specifying species, product type, dimensions, quality grade, moisture content, quantity, country of origin, supply status, and lead time. Add photos and certification documents.
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03
Receive buyer RFQs
When a buyer is interested, you receive a Request for Quotation through the platform. You'll see exactly what they need: quantity, lead time, delivery terms.
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04
Submit your quote
Respond with your price, availability, and any conditions. You can negotiate directly through the platform's comment system. GTH admin can assist with any coordination needed.
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05
Confirm and process the order
Once the buyer accepts your quote, the sales order is confirmed. At this point you prepare the goods, arrange shipment, and upload the required documentation.
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06
Upload compliance documents
Upload your V-Legal / FLEGT certificate, packing list, bill of lading, and any other required compliance records. The buyer can access these directly from the order page.
Roles
Who's on the platform
Buyer
Companies in both Sout East Asia and Europe sourcing hardwood for construction, furniture, or manufacturing. They search products, send RFQs, and manage purchase orders.
Seller
Timber producers, sawmills, and exporters in both Sout East Asia and Europe. They list products, respond to buyer requests, and manage sales orders.
Sales and Purchase representatives
Commercial intermediaries who facilitate deals between buyers and sellers. They have visibility across both sides of the marketplace.
Area Manager
Regional supervisors who oversee marketplace activity within an assigned geography and support local buyers and sellers.
Sales Manager
Manages the sales lifecycle, validates pricing, and ensures revenue targets are met across the platform.
Purchase Manager
Handles procurement planning and coordinates between buyer requirements and seller availability.
Admin
Manages platform approvals, user onboarding, and operational support.
Owner
Full platform oversight and configuration.
FAQ
Questions about the process
An RFQ (Request for Quotation) is a formal request a buyer sends to a seller through the GTH platform. It includes the product specification, required quantity, lead time, and any specific documentation requirements. The seller responds with pricing and availability.
This depends on the seller's lead time and the shipping route. Most sellers list their lead time on the product page. Once an order is confirmed, standard shipping from Indonesia or Thailand to Europe takes approximately 20 to 35 days by sea.
GTH supports V-Legal (SVLK / FLEGT) certificates from Indonesia, FSC chain-of-custody documentation, packing lists, bills of lading, and custom documentation required for EUDR due diligence statements.
All trade-related communication is encouraged to stay within the platform to maintain a complete record. The comment and change history system means both parties always have a clear audit trail.