The 20-Point Supplier
Audit Checklist

Verify any Chinese supplier before you send a single dollar — even if you can't visit the factory.

Every year, small importers lose money to fake factories, bait-and-switch samples, and trading companies pretending to be manufacturers. This checklist is your first line of defense. Work through all 20 points. If a supplier fails 3 or more, walk away.

1. 1
   Request a copy of the business license (营业执照)

   The company name must match the one on your contract, invoice, and proforma. A mismatch is an instant red flag.
2. 2
   Check registered capital & establishment date

   Older company + higher registered capital = lower risk. A 3-month-old company with tiny capital is higher risk.
3. 3
   Confirm export rights

   A real exporter has a customs registration and export license. Ask for proof if you're importing.
4. 4
   Cross-check the legal representative

   Search the legal representative's name against public records and the company name. Inconsistencies = fraud risk.
5. 5
   Bank account must match the company

   Never pay a personal account. The receiving account name must equal the company name.

1. 6
   Get a live video walkthrough — not a recording

   Ask them to start the call at the factory gate, show the sign, then walk the production floor. Pre-recorded videos can be faked.
2. 7
   Ask to see YOUR product category on the line

   A real factory producing your item should be able to show machines, molds, and work-in-progress for that specific category.
3. 8
   Factory sign + business license side by side

   Request a photo of the factory entrance sign next to the business license. Same name on both = passes.
4. 9
   Ask for their top 3 clients or export markets

   Real factories name real markets (e.g. "we ship to Germany and the US"). Vague answers are a warning sign.
5. 10
   Spot the showroom-vs-factory mismatch

   An office or showroom address with no production address means you're likely talking to a trading company.

1. 11
   Order samples BEFORE the bulk order

   Always pay for a sample first. The sample is your contract for quality — photograph and keep it.
2. 12
   Lock the spec sheet

   Exact material, weight, dimensions, color, and finish — in writing. "Similar" and "about the same" are not specs.
3. 13
   Ask for product certifications

   CE / FCC / RoHS / CPC as applicable to your market. Ask to see the actual certificate, not just a claim.
4. 14
   Ask about their QC process

   Do they inspect before shipping? How are defects handled? No QC answer = you become the QC, after you've already paid.
5. 15
   Get MOQ, lead time & payment terms in writing

   Everything on a written proforma invoice. Verbal promises don't survive a dispute.

1. 16
   Clear, consistent communication

   Fast, specific answers are a good sign. Evasive or contradictory replies are a bad one.
2. 17
   Willingness to video call

   A refusal to video call is a serious red flag. Any legitimate supplier will get on a call.
3. 18
   A price that's too good to be true

   If the price is far below every other quote, you're likely being baited for a switch later.
4. 19
   Pressure to pay fast or skip the contract

   Urgency is a manipulation tactic. Legitimate suppliers don't rush you past due diligence.
5. 20
   Check third-party track record

   Years on the platform, verified status, dispute history, and independent reviews — check them all.