Basic legitimacy checks
Start with administrative facts. Confirm that the company exists, has current licenses, and uses consistent details across all documents.
- Business license screenshot (with visible dates)
- Registered capital and business scope
- Full company name matches their bank account
- Factory location vs. warehouse location
Samples and prior work
Ask for photos of past projects and request basic sample availability. You are looking for consistency and finish quality more than glossy angles.
- Multi-angle photos in neutral light
- Close-ups of edges, welding, stitching, coatings
- Packaging details and labeling examples
Pricing logic, not just price
A reasonable supplier can explain how cost scales with material, volume, and packaging. Avoid those who cannot justify changes.
- MOQ tiers that make sense
- Lead time variation logic
- Price sensitivity to finishes or materials
Communication signals
How they communicate now is how they will communicate under pressure. Look for clarity, speed, and reliability.
- Direct answers instead of vague agreements
- Correct units, dimensions, and terminology
- Proactive questions (a strong signal)
Basic factory capability
- Photos of production equipment
- Peak capacity per month
- QC checkpoints and typical defect rates
- Tooling ownership (important for reorders)
Risk red flags
Inconsistency
Different company names between documents, emails, and bank accounts.
Too fast agreement
Avoid suppliers who agree instantly to everything without clarifying requirements.
Photo recycling
Reverse image search to check if catalog photos appear across multiple websites.
48-hour schedule
- Request documents and photos
- Check communication quality
- Ask for sample availability
- Run a simple reverse image check
- Compare pricing logic
- Check consistency between legal and bank name
Need help vetting suppliers?
We run structured 48-hour checks, provide risk scoring, and filter out factories before you commit time and money.
Request a supplier check