Identity and capability
Clarify the business identity, factory or trading-company role, production address, product capability, export experience, MOQ, lead time, and who will communicate with you.
Evidence and consistency
Compare the supplier’s answers, quotation, product samples, photographs, documents, and factory information. Inconsistencies deserve follow-up before payment or approval.
Start with a controlled project
A sample or trial order can reveal communication, quality, packaging, and timing. It does not eliminate all risk, but it creates a more informed basis for the next decision.
Before you begin
Use this guide as a planning framework. Write down your assumptions, open questions, responsible parties, and the next decision before contacting a supplier.
A useful decision checklist
- How do I tell if a supplier is a factory?
- Should I request a business license?
- Is a video call enough?
What to do next
After learning the framework, apply it to one real product and one real destination market; the details should be checked before money or production is committed.
Connect the next decision
Use this page as part of a clearer sourcing plan.
Information on this page is general education, not legal, customs, tax, testing, or professional compliance advice. Requirements depend on the product and destination market and should be checked before you order or sell.