Finding a Chinese supplier is not the same as choosing a safe supplier. A buyer can find hundreds of suppliers on Alibaba, 1688, Made-in-China, trade shows, Google, social media or industry directories. But before payment, the buyer still needs to answer a more important question: is this supplier suitable for my order, my risk level and my destination market?

Supplier verification is not only about checking whether a company exists. A company can be real and still be unsuitable. A supplier can have a business license and still be a reseller. A factory can be real and still fail your quality requirement. A trading company can be legitimate and still be the right choice for a small mixed-product order. The goal is not to find a perfect supplier. The goal is to reduce avoidable risk before money, samples and production time are committed.

This guide explains how to verify Chinese suppliers before you pay. It covers business license checks, factory claims, payment beneficiary risk, product capability, samples, inspection, compliance documents and warning signs. It is written for importers, Amazon sellers, ecommerce brands, distributors and small businesses that want to source from China with more control.

For a broader platform comparison, read 1688 vs Alibaba: Which Platform Should Foreign Buyers Use?. If you are buying from 1688, also read How to Buy From 1688 as a Foreign Buyer.

Quick Supplier Verification Checklist

Use this checklist before paying a deposit or placing a serious sample order.

• company name;
• business license;
• registered address;
• operating address;
• legal representative;
• business scope;
• years in operation;
• product category focus;
• factory or trader claim;
• payment receiver;
• sample source;
• quotation consistency;
• inspection acceptance;
• production lead time;
• carton data ability;
• compliance documents if needed;
• communication quality;
• red flag record.

This checklist does not replace deeper due diligence, but it gives you a practical first filter. If a supplier fails several basic checks, do not rush to payment.

What Supplier Verification Really Means

Supplier verification means checking whether the supplier is real, relevant and reliable enough for your order. These are three different questions.

Real means the company exists and the contact person is connected to that company. Relevant means the supplier has experience or capability related to your product. Reliable means the supplier can communicate, quote, sample, produce, inspect and ship in a way that matches your business risk.

Many buyers stop at the first question. They ask, "Is this supplier real?" But the better question is:

> Is this supplier the right risk level for this order?

A real company can still cause problems if:

• it does not make the product;
• it only resells from other factories;
• it cannot control quality;
• it cannot provide export packaging;
• it does not understand your compliance requirement;
• it uses an unrelated payment account;
• it refuses inspection;
• it changes answers after payment.

BSA GROUP's supplier verification service is designed to help buyers answer these questions before payment.

Step 1: Confirm the Company Identity

Start with the company name. A serious supplier should be able to provide its full Chinese company name. The English name on a platform profile is not enough because English names can be translated loosely or used by multiple companies.

Ask for:

• full Chinese company name;
• unified social credit code if available;
• business license copy;
• registered address;
• operating address;
• contact person's business card;
• company website or store links;
• payment receiver name.

The company name should be consistent across the business license, quotation, payment receiver, invoice and platform profile. If different names appear, ask for the relationship. Sometimes a supplier uses a group company, export company or payment agent. That can be legitimate, but it should be explained clearly.

Step 2: Check the Business License

A Chinese business license can confirm basic company registration information. It does not prove the supplier is a factory, and it does not prove product quality, but it is an important first step.

Check:

• company name;
• unified social credit code;
• legal representative;
• registered capital;
• establishment date;
• business scope;
• registered address;
• operating status;
• license validity if shown.

Business scope matters because it may reveal whether the company is related to your product category. For example, a company selling electronics should have a business scope connected to electronics, trade, technology or manufacturing. A mismatch does not always mean fraud, but it should trigger more questions.

Do not rely only on a screenshot. Screenshots can be old or edited. For important orders, verify the registration record through available company information channels or a local verification partner.

Step 3: Understand Factory, Trader and Distributor Roles

Foreign buyers often want to find a factory, but "factory" is not always the best answer. The right supplier type depends on the product and order.

Common supplier types include:

• factory;
• trading company;
• domestic distributor;
• wholesale store;
• ecommerce reseller;
• exporter;
• product assembler;
• supply chain company;
• brand owner.

A factory may offer better production control, but it may have higher MOQ or weaker English communication. A trading company may be better for mixed products, small orders or export coordination. A distributor may be efficient for stock goods. The risk is not the supplier type itself. The risk is not knowing which type you are dealing with.

Ask direct questions:

• Are you the manufacturer or trading company?
• Where is the production address?
• Can we arrange a video factory check?
• Can you provide production photos?
• Do you own the production line?
• Which production steps are outsourced?
• Can we inspect goods before shipment?

If the supplier claims to be a factory but avoids every factory-related question, slow down.

Step 4: Check Product Capability

A supplier can be real and still lack capability for your product. Product capability is more important than a broad company profile.

Check whether the supplier has:

• a focused product range;
• similar products in its catalog;
• real product photos or videos;
• material knowledge;
• production process knowledge;
• customization experience;
• packaging options;
• sample availability;
• quality control process;
• export history for similar products.

A supplier that sells many unrelated products may be a trader or reseller. That is not always bad, but it means you should verify where the product actually comes from. A focused supplier is usually easier to evaluate because their store, catalog and answers are consistent.

Step 5: Verify Payment Beneficiary Risk

Payment risk is one of the most important supplier verification points. Before paying, confirm who receives the money and whether that receiver matches the supplier relationship.

Check:

• supplier company name;
• bank account name;
• platform payment receiver;
• invoice company;
• quotation company;
• contract company;
• reason for any mismatch.

If the supplier's quotation uses one company, the business license shows another company and the payment receiver is an individual, you need a clear explanation before payment. Sometimes there is a legitimate export agent or group company arrangement. Sometimes it is a warning sign.

For higher-value orders, do not pay based only on chat. Keep a written quotation or proforma invoice that includes company name, product specification, amount, payment terms and bank details.

Step 6: Review Communication Quality

Communication quality is a risk signal. A supplier who communicates clearly before payment is more likely to handle problems clearly after payment. A supplier who avoids details before payment may become difficult once production starts.

Good communication signs:

• answers specific questions;
• confirms material and size clearly;
• explains MOQ and lead time;
• provides carton data;
• accepts written confirmation;
• asks follow-up questions;
• distinguishes sample and mass production;
• is willing to discuss inspection.

Weak communication signs:

• only says "no problem";
• avoids technical details;
• changes answers frequently;
• refuses written quotation;
• pushes urgent payment;
• does not understand your product;
• ignores inspection questions;
• cannot explain packaging or carton data.

Fast replies are not enough. Clear replies matter more.

Step 7: Use Samples as Verification

Samples are not only for checking product appearance. They also verify whether the supplier can follow instructions.

Use the sample stage to test:

• response speed;
• quotation consistency;
• payment process;
• packaging;
• material accuracy;
• workmanship;
• communication clarity;
• whether the sample matches the listing;
• whether the supplier can improve problems;
• whether the supplier documents details.

Do not approve a sample casually. Create an approved sample record with photos, date, supplier name, material, size, color, logo, packaging and notes. This record becomes the comparison standard for mass production.

Step 8: Check Compliance Documents

Compliance documents matter when products are regulated. Many suppliers can show certificates, but buyers should verify whether the document actually applies to the product.

Check:

• certificate holder;
• factory name;
• product model;
• test standard;
• issue date;
• expiry date if any;
• testing lab;
• product photos in the report;
• whether the report matches your version.

Be careful with:

• electronics;
• batteries;
• toys;
• children's products;
• food-contact products;
• cosmetics;
• medical products;
• chemical products;
• safety products;
• personal protective equipment.

If compliance matters, do not rely on platform badges or screenshots. Ask for complete documents and verify them when needed.

Step 9: Confirm Inspection Acceptance

A reliable supplier should normally accept pre-shipment inspection for commercial orders. Refusing inspection is not always proof of fraud, but it is a serious warning sign.

Before paying a deposit, ask:

• Can we inspect goods before balance payment?
• When will goods be ready for inspection?
• Can inspection be done at your factory or warehouse?
• Can defective goods be reworked before shipment?
• Will you provide packing list before inspection?
• Can cartons be opened randomly?

Inspection protects the buyer because problems are easier to solve before goods leave China. After international shipping, returning goods is expensive and often unrealistic.

BSA GROUP's quality control inspection service can support this stage.

Step 10: Watch for Red Flags

Some red flags appear before payment. Do not ignore them.

Be careful if the supplier:

• refuses to provide company information;
• gives inconsistent company names;
• cannot explain its product;
• uses only copied photos;
• sells unrelated products across many categories;
• asks for payment to an unrelated individual;
• avoids inspection;
• quotes far below market level;
• changes terms after detailed questions;
• pushes urgent payment;
• promises every customization immediately;
• refuses sample approval;
• cannot provide carton data;
• avoids compliance questions;
• cannot provide real photos or videos.

One red flag may have an explanation. Several red flags together mean the buyer should stop or verify more deeply.

Supplier Verification for Alibaba

Alibaba makes supplier discovery easier, but verification is still needed. A polished profile does not guarantee that the supplier is a factory or that the product is suitable.

For Alibaba suppliers, check:

• company profile consistency;
• verified information details;
• product category focus;
• years on platform;
• response quality;
• certificate relevance;
• factory claim;
• payment terms;
• sample process;
• inspection acceptance.

Do not assume a supplier is safe because the page looks professional. Ask the same verification questions and keep records.

Supplier Verification for 1688

1688 suppliers may have lower domestic prices, but foreign buyers need more local process control. Many 1688 sellers are not prepared for export communication, international shipping or compliance requirements.

For 1688 suppliers, check:

• Chinese company name;
• store focus;
• domestic transaction style;
• product details;
• real photos;
• payment receiver;
• domestic shipping method;
• warehouse coordination;
• sample source;
• inspection acceptance.

If you buy from 1688 without local support, the supplier may ship only to a China address and may not prepare export documents. A sourcing agent or forwarder can help bridge the domestic China workflow.

How to Compare Multiple Suppliers

Do not choose a supplier from one conversation. Compare at least three options when possible. Use a supplier comparison sheet.

Record:

• platform;
• supplier link;
• company name;
• product link;
• quoted price;
• MOQ;
• sample cost;
• lead time;
• packaging;
• carton data;
• payment receiver;
• inspection acceptance;
• verification result;
• red flags;
• final decision.

This makes decisions more objective. It also helps avoid choosing the supplier who replies fastest but gives weak details.

What a Verification Report Should Include

A useful supplier verification report should not only say "pass" or "fail." It should explain risk.

A practical report should include:

• supplier identity summary;
• company registration information;
• business scope review;
• factory or trader claim review;
• product match review;
• payment beneficiary check;
• communication risk notes;
• document review if provided;
• red flags;
• recommended next steps.

The conclusion should be practical. For example:

Supplier appears registered and product-related, but factory claim is not confirmed.
Payment receiver matches company name.
Supplier accepts inspection.
Recommended next step: sample order and pre-shipment inspection before mass shipment.

This type of conclusion helps buyers make a controlled decision instead of guessing.

When Supplier Verification Is Not Enough

Supplier verification reduces risk, but it does not replace every control step. A supplier can pass identity checks and still produce defective goods. Verification should be combined with samples, specification control and inspection.

Use supplier verification before payment. Use sample approval before mass production. Use inspection before shipment. Use shipping document review before goods leave China.

The full control chain is:

1. Verify supplier.
2. Confirm specification.
3. Approve sample.
4. Confirm payment terms.
5. Follow production.
6. Inspect goods.
7. Ship after acceptable result.

Each step reduces a different type of risk.

Internal Link Plan for This Topic

This article should connect to the BSA GROUP service and resource cluster.

Relevant pages:

• Supplier verification service;
• Quality control inspection service;
• China sourcing agent service;
• How to Buy From 1688 as a Foreign Buyer;
• 1688 vs Alibaba.

The service page should convert buyers who already need help. This resource page should educate buyers who are still learning how to judge supplier risk.

Three Levels of Supplier Verification

Not every order needs the same verification depth. A USD 200 sample order does not need the same process as a USD 50,000 production order. Buyers should match the verification level to the order value, product risk and business consequence of failure.

Level 1 is basic desktop verification. This is suitable for early screening and low-risk suppliers. It usually checks company name, business license, business scope, platform profile, product focus, payment receiver and obvious red flags. This level helps remove suppliers that are clearly inconsistent or unsuitable.

Level 2 is communication and document verification. This is suitable before paying a meaningful sample fee or deposit. It checks company documents, quotation consistency, payment beneficiary, product capability, sample process, production lead time, inspection acceptance and compliance documents if provided. This level also evaluates how the supplier answers detailed questions.

Level 3 is on-site verification or factory audit. This is suitable for larger orders, private label products, compliance-sensitive products or long-term supplier relationships. It may include factory visit, production line review, warehouse review, equipment check, worker count observation, quality system review and photo/video evidence from the site.

Use this simple rule:

Order situation	Suggested verification level
Early supplier research	Level 1
Low-value stock sample	Level 1 or 2
Custom sample or private label sample	Level 2
First mass production order	Level 2 plus inspection
High-value or repeated order	Level 3 plus inspection
Regulated product	Level 2 or 3 plus document verification

The buyer does not need to overcomplicate every small order, but serious orders should not rely only on chat.

Supplier Verification vs Factory Audit

Supplier verification and factory audit are related, but they are not the same.

Supplier verification checks whether the supplier identity, business information, payment receiver, product match and basic risk signals are acceptable. It can often be done remotely. It is useful before sample payment or deposit payment.

Factory audit checks the physical site and operating capability. It is deeper. It may review production areas, equipment, workers, quality control process, warehouse, management documents and whether the supplier's factory claim is true. It is useful before larger production orders or long-term cooperation.

Use supplier verification when you need to know:

• whether the company exists;
• whether company names match;
• whether payment receiver is risky;
• whether the product matches the supplier's business;
• whether communication is credible;
• whether basic red flags exist.

Use factory audit when you need to know:

• whether production is actually done at the claimed site;
• whether the factory has enough capacity;
• whether equipment and process match the product;
• whether quality control exists;
• whether the factory can support repeat orders;
• whether the supplier is suitable for long-term cooperation.

A buyer can start with supplier verification and then use factory audit only for shortlisted suppliers. This keeps cost reasonable while still controlling risk.

Video Verification: Useful but Limited

Video calls can help verify a supplier, especially when an on-site visit is not possible. A video call can show office, warehouse, sample room, production area or product details. It can also test whether the contact person understands the product.

During a video call, ask the supplier to show:

• company sign;
• office or sample room;
• product samples;
• packaging area;
• warehouse if available;
• production line if they claim factory status;
• business license on site if appropriate;
• product details close up;
• carton marks or packaging examples.

Ask live questions during the call. A real supplier familiar with the product should be able to answer basic details. A reseller may still answer some questions, but may struggle with production process, material tolerance or quality control points.

Video verification has limits. The supplier may show another company's factory. The video may be staged. The person on the call may not have authority. Treat video verification as one signal, not final proof.

Proforma Invoice and Quotation Checks

Before payment, request a written quotation or proforma invoice. This document should match the supplier identity and payment arrangement.

A useful proforma invoice should include:

• supplier company name;
• buyer company name if available;
• product name;
• model or item number;
• material;
• size;
• color;
• quantity;
• unit price;
• total amount;
• packaging;
• payment terms;
• lead time;
• shipping term;
• bank details or payment method;
• validity period.

Compare the proforma invoice with the business license and payment receiver. If the company name does not match, ask why. If the supplier refuses to issue a clear proforma invoice, be careful.

For custom products, attach or reference the specification sheet. Do not rely only on the quotation title. A vague product name can create disputes later.

Contract and Specification Control

For larger orders, supplier verification should connect to contract and specification control. A verified supplier can still produce the wrong product if the specification is unclear.

A basic order specification should include:

• product drawings or reference photos;
• material;
• dimensions;
• tolerance;
• color standard;
• logo artwork;
• packaging method;
• label content;
• carton mark;
• inspection standard;
• approved sample reference;
• defect handling rule;
• production lead time;
• payment milestones.

This does not need to be a complicated legal contract for every order. But the buyer should have written confirmation of what is being produced. The more custom the product is, the more important specification control becomes.

Common Supplier Scam and Risk Patterns

Not every supplier problem is a scam. Many problems come from poor communication, weak management or different expectations. But buyers should still recognize common risk patterns.

Common patterns include:

• fake company identity;
• copied product photos;
• unrelated payment account;
• supplier disappears after payment;
• price is far below market;
• supplier changes product material after payment;
• supplier ships lower-grade goods;
• supplier refuses inspection after deposit;
• supplier claims goods are ready but cannot show proof;
• supplier pressures buyer to pay balance before inspection;
• supplier uses fake certificate screenshots;
• supplier says every product is available but cannot provide details.

The best defense is not paranoia. The best defense is process: verify identity, fix specification, approve sample, inspect goods and keep payment tied to control points.

Verification for Different Product Risk Levels

Different products need different verification focus.

For simple stock products, focus on:

• supplier identity;
• product match;
• sample quality;
• packaging;
• carton data;
• payment receiver;
• inspection before shipment.

For private label products, focus on:

• customization capability;
• logo method;
• packaging supplier;
• artwork control;
• sample approval;
• version control;
• inspection checklist.

For regulated products, focus on:

• certificates;
• test reports;
• model numbers;
• compliance standard;
• factory history;
• material and component control;
• destination market requirement.

For large-volume products, focus on:

• production capacity;
• lead time reliability;
• quality control process;
• backup supplier options;
• warehouse handling;
• batch consistency.

This is why supplier verification should not be a generic yes/no service. It should match the product and business situation.

What to Do If a Supplier Fails Verification

If a supplier fails verification, do not automatically assume fraud. First classify the issue.

Minor issues may include:

• unclear English company name;
• slow document response;
• incomplete product photos;
• missing carton data at early stage;
• trader instead of factory when trader role is acceptable.

Serious issues may include:

• company name cannot be confirmed;
• payment receiver is unrelated;
• business license appears inconsistent;
• supplier refuses basic documents;
• supplier refuses inspection;
• supplier cannot explain the product;
• supplier gives contradictory answers;
• certificate does not match product.

For minor issues, ask follow-up questions. For serious issues, reject the supplier or require stronger proof before payment. The cost of finding another supplier is usually lower than the cost of recovering from a bad payment.

How BSA GROUP Handles Supplier Verification

BSA GROUP should position supplier verification as a decision-support process, not only a document check. The buyer needs to know whether to continue, slow down, negotiate differently or reject the supplier.

A practical verification workflow can include:

1. Collect supplier information.
2. Check company identity.
3. Review business license and company consistency.
4. Review product match.
5. Review factory or trader claim.
6. Check payment receiver risk.
7. Review communication and quotation.
8. Identify red flags.
9. Recommend next action.

Possible conclusions should be clear:

• proceed to sample order;
• proceed only with inspection condition;
• request more documents;
• verify factory claim before deposit;
• reject supplier due to payment risk;
• use alternative supplier.

This makes verification useful for business decisions, not just paperwork.

Supplier Verification Scorecard

For many buyers, a scorecard makes supplier comparison easier. The score does not need to be perfect. It gives the buyer a structured way to compare risk.

Example scorecard:

Area	What to check	Risk if weak
Company identity	Company name, license, address	Wrong supplier or fake identity
Product match	Product focus, samples, technical answers	Supplier cannot make required product
Payment consistency	Receiver matches supplier relationship	Payment dispute or fraud risk
Communication	Clear answers, written confirmation	Misunderstanding after payment
Sample process	Sample source, approval record	Mass production mismatch
Inspection acceptance	Supplier allows third-party inspection	Weak control before shipment
Compliance	Reports match product and market	Customs, marketplace or safety risk
Logistics readiness	Carton data, packing list, shipping handoff	Freight delay or cost surprise

You can rate each area as low risk, medium risk or high risk. A supplier with one medium-risk area may still be usable. A supplier with several high-risk areas should not receive a serious deposit.

Documents to Request Before Payment

The document list depends on product and order size, but buyers can start with a basic set.

For most orders, request:

• business license;
• written quotation;
• proforma invoice;
• product specification;
• sample photos;
• packaging details;
• carton size and gross weight;
• payment details;
• production lead time;
• inspection acceptance confirmation.

For custom orders, also request:

• artwork confirmation;
• logo proof;
• packaging proof;
• approved sample record;
• material confirmation;
• color standard;
• tolerance requirement.

For regulated products, also request:

• test report;
• certificate;
• declaration of conformity if applicable;
• model number match;
• product photos in report;
• factory or applicant name;
• issue date and validity.

Do not collect documents only for storage. Use them to compare consistency. The same company, product and specification should appear across the documents.

Payment Decision Rules

Supplier verification should lead to a payment decision. Before paying, classify the supplier into one of four categories.

Category 1: acceptable to proceed. The supplier identity is consistent, product match is clear, payment receiver is reasonable, sample process is acceptable and inspection is allowed.

Category 2: proceed with conditions. The supplier may be usable, but the buyer should require extra proof, sample approval, inspection before balance payment or lower first-order quantity.

Category 3: hold and verify more. Important information is missing, the factory claim is unclear, payment receiver needs explanation or compliance documents need checking.

Category 4: reject. The supplier refuses basic information, payment receiver is unrelated without explanation, company identity is inconsistent, inspection is refused or several red flags appear together.

This decision rule prevents emotional buying. A low price can make a risky supplier feel attractive. A written decision framework keeps the buyer focused on risk and control.

How Verification Supports Negotiation

Supplier verification is not only defensive. It can also improve negotiation. When a buyer understands supplier type and risk, the buyer can negotiate more realistically.

If the supplier is a factory, negotiate around production quantity, lead time, material, packaging and repeat-order price. If the supplier is a trader, negotiate around service, consolidation, export handling and supplier transparency. If the supplier is a stock distributor, negotiate around available inventory, delivery speed and replacement terms.

Verification also helps avoid the wrong negotiation. Pushing a small distributor for factory-level customization may waste time. Pushing a factory for a tiny mixed-product order may fail. The supplier type should shape the negotiation strategy.

Example: Low Price but High Payment Risk

Imagine a buyer finds a supplier with a price 20% lower than other quotes. The product photos look good and the contact person replies quickly. But the proforma invoice uses one company name, the business license shows another company and the payment receiver is an individual.

This does not automatically prove fraud, but it is not acceptable for a serious order without explanation. The buyer should ask:

• Why is the payment receiver different?
• What is the relationship between the companies?
• Can payment be made to the licensed company?
• Can the supplier issue a matching invoice?
• Can the supplier accept inspection before balance payment?

If the supplier cannot explain the mismatch, the low price should be ignored. Saving 20% on a quote is not useful if the payment cannot be controlled.

Example: Real Factory but Weak Export Fit

Another buyer verifies that a supplier is a real factory. The factory makes the product and has production equipment. But the factory does not understand export packaging, cannot provide English documents, has no experience with destination-market compliance and cannot coordinate international freight.

This supplier may still be useful, but the buyer needs support. A sourcing agent or export partner can help with communication, packaging, inspection and shipping handoff. The decision is not simply pass or fail. The decision is whether the buyer can build the missing workflow around the supplier.

This is common with 1688 suppliers. The supplier may be real and competitive, but the foreign buyer still needs China-side process control.

The practical conclusion is simple: verification should not only label a supplier as good or bad. It should tell the buyer what control is still missing. Sometimes the answer is to reject the supplier. Sometimes the answer is to proceed with sample approval, inspection and tighter payment terms.

That decision discipline protects cash, schedule, inventory and customer trust.

FAQ

How do I verify a Chinese supplier?

Start with company identity, business license, company name consistency, payment receiver, product capability, sample process, inspection acceptance and red flags. For important orders, use local verification before payment.

Does a business license prove a supplier is safe?

No. A business license can show that a company exists, but it does not prove factory ownership, product capability, quality control or export reliability.

How do I know if a Chinese supplier is a factory?

Check business scope, product focus, production address, factory photos, videos, sample source and whether the supplier can answer production-specific questions. For serious orders, arrange a factory audit or local verification.

Is Alibaba verification enough?

No. Alibaba platform signals can help, but buyers should still verify supplier identity, capability, payment receiver, sample quality and inspection acceptance.

Is 1688 supplier verification different?

Yes. 1688 is domestic-facing, so foreign buyers should pay extra attention to Chinese company name, domestic payment, warehouse receiving, communication and export coordination.

Should I pay a supplier before verification?

For small low-risk samples, some buyers may accept limited risk. For commercial orders or deposits, verify the supplier before payment.

What is the biggest supplier verification red flag?

The biggest red flags are inconsistent company names, unrelated payment receiver, refusal to provide company information and refusal to accept inspection.

Can BSA GROUP verify suppliers in China?

Yes. BSA GROUP can help check supplier identity, factory claims, payment beneficiary risk, product capability and sourcing suitability before buyers commit to payment or production.

Final Recommendation

Supplier verification should happen before payment, not after a problem appears. The goal is not to eliminate every risk. The goal is to identify avoidable risk early enough to make a better decision.

Before paying a Chinese supplier, check company identity, business license, payment receiver, product capability, communication quality, sample process and inspection acceptance. If the order value is meaningful, use local verification and keep written records.

A supplier that passes basic checks still needs sample approval and inspection. A supplier that fails basic checks should not receive a serious deposit. That simple discipline can prevent many sourcing problems before they become expensive.