Confirm who you are dealing with
Match the legal entity, trading name, address, tax information, bank beneficiary and contracting party. Understand whether the business manufactures, distributes, represents or subcontracts the product.
Test capability against the brief
Ask for relevant production details, minimums, capacity logic, lead times, customization limits and examples appropriate to your use case. A supplier can be credible and still be the wrong operational fit.
Treat evidence proportionally
Request certificates, test reports, traceability information or quality procedures that matter for the product. Check validity and scope rather than treating a logo on a brochure as proof.
Run a controlled first transaction
Samples, pre-production approval, inspection, clear change control and staged commercial commitments can reduce uncertainty. High-risk or high-value purchases may justify independent audits, testing and legal review.
Initial screening cannot guarantee future performance.