Choosing the right supplier is the single most important decision in importing. A good supplier delivers on time, handles problems and grows with you. A bad one costs you money, time and reputation. Here is how to verify before you order.

1. Is it a factory or a trading company?

Both can be legitimate, but they serve different purposes:

  • Factory — lower price, direct communication, but limited product range
  • Trading company — wider range, better service, but higher price
  • Factory + trading arm — the best of both worlds for many importers

Ask for the business license, factory address and photos of the production line. If they hesitate, be cautious.

2. Check the business license

Every legitimate Chinese company has a business license (营业执照). Ask for:

  • Company name in Chinese and English
  • Unified Social Credit Code
  • Registered address
  • Business scope — does it include manufacturing?
  • Year established

You can verify the license on the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (gsxt.gov.cn).

3. Request certification and test reports

  • CE, RoHS, FCC, ETL — verify they match the exact model you are buying
  • Test report — not just a certificate, but the full test document
  • ISO 9001 — quality management system certification
  • Factory audit reports — SGS, BV, TUV if available

A legitimate factory will share these without hesitation.

4. Ask for customer references

Ask for 2–3 references from customers in your market. Contact them and ask:

  • How long have you worked with this supplier?
  • What is their on-time delivery rate?
  • How do they handle quality issues?
  • Would you order again?

Suppliers who cannot provide references should be treated with caution.

5. Order samples first

Always order samples before a bulk order. Check:

  • Product quality — function, finish, packaging
  • Certification marks on the product and box
  • User manual quality and language
  • Packaging condition after shipping
  • Sample lead time and communication quality

6. Verify payment terms

  • Standard: 30% deposit, 70% before shipment
  • First order: consider 30% deposit, 70% against BL copy
  • Avoid: 100% payment upfront for new suppliers
  • Use: T/T, Alibaba Trade Assurance, or L/C for large orders

7. Red flags to watch for

  • Prices far below market — likely cutting corners
  • Refusing to share business license or factory photos
  • No certifications or test reports
  • Pushing for 100% upfront payment
  • Vague answers about lead time or QC process
  • Communication only via personal email, not company email

8. Consider a factory audit

For large orders, hire a third-party auditor to visit the factory. Cost is usually $300–500 and can save you from a costly mistake.

We are happy to share our business license, factory photos, certifications and customer references on request. Contact us for a full supplier profile.