The most expensive import is not the one with a higher FOB. It is the one where you paid a deposit to a supplier who cannot deliver the spec. Checking a supplier in China is not paranoia. It is a standard business step before money leaves the account.
Step 0: Internal brief before contact
Before the RFQ have:
- drawing / tech pack / photo board,
- target MOQ and price band,
- market (Serbia / region) and packing needs,
- a preliminary HS code.
Without that you get “we can do everything” answers that mean nothing. Context: China sourcing.
1. Identity and legality
Ask for:
- Business licence (Yingye zhizhao): full name, legal representative, registered address, business scope.
- Name on the licence matching the contract and invoice.
- If a trading company: which factories they use and whether you may visit them.
Map plus street view / local confirm often shows a “factory” in a residential block.
2. Factory or middleman?
Both can be valid. The problem is when a trading company presents as a factory.
Ask:
- How many lines / workers run your product?
- Where is the tool or mould and who owns it?
- Can you video-call from the production floor (not the showroom)?
Compare: Alibaba or factory direct.
3. Capacity and lead time
Ask in writing:
- monthly capacity for your SKU,
- standard lead (production plus QC),
- peak limits (before CNY, before Canton Fair),
- whether they outsource critical parts.
If lead sounds unrealistically short at a low price, plan buffer or a second source.
4. Sample as a truth test
A paid sample is not a cost. It is the cheapest check.
Verify:
- same material and finish as the series,
- dimensions or drawing,
- packing (if part of the brand),
- sample lead (a discipline signal).
If the sample “will be better than the series” without contracted QC, the series will be worse. Define AQL in advance. Sample usually takes 2–5 weeks.
5. References and export history
Useful:
- export to the EU / CEFTA / Turkey (similar papers),
- repeat buyers (not one-offs),
- willingness to share a contact (under NDA if needed).
Caution: generic “Amazon seller” stories without proof. Ask for a redacted packing list / BL if possible.
6. Remote or on-site check
Remote: line video, warehouse, QC station, random carton open.
On site: better for a first large contract, tool or mould, electronics, textiles with a quality structure.
On an audit look at: order on the line, incoming material check, calibrated gauges, a separate reject area, working conditions (sudden-close and reputation risk).
Ad-hoc QC: À la carte services.
7. Stop signs
Slow down or stop if:
- 100% advance on a first order,
- they refuse a visit or a dated line video,
- licence name, WeChat name and invoice name do not match,
- they will not say who issues COO for the 1 July 2024 FTA,
- the quote is only a piece price with no packing, no Incoterms, no lead.
Research of 3–5 accounts takes 1–3 weeks. QC before loading is standard on sourcing jobs above 2,000 USD. Sea is about 35–52 days. A deposit before this check is not speed. It is a paid guess.
More on the pillar China suppliers. Send a brief via contact if you want the licence, address and sample opened before money moves.
Next step
Send the request: category, quantity, and date. You get a reply within 24 hours, with an outline of the total cost to destination where we can price it.
