Top 25 Questions to Ask a Chinese Supplier Before Placing an Order

Working with a Chinese supplier can cut costs and scale your business. Ask the right questions first. Clear answers reduce risk. Use this checklist before you place your order.

Company and Legal Basics

1. What is your company name and business license number? Ask for the full legal name and a copy of the business license. Verify details against Chinese public records.
2. Are you a factory, trading company, or agent? Factories control production and costs. Trading companies handle sourcing and logistics. Know who you are dealing with.
3. How long have you been exporting this product? Years in export indicate experience with quality control, packing, and shipping.
4. Can you provide references or customer testimonials? Request recent buyer contacts or platform reviews. Follow up with those references.

Product and Specifications

5. Do you have product datasheets and technical drawings? Get detailed specs, materials, tolerances, and part numbers in writing.
6. Can you provide samples and what is the lead time? Ask for a pre-production sample. Note the sample cost and shipping method.
7. Is custom branding or OEM available? Confirm minimums, tooling fees, and expected lead time for custom molds or labels.
8. What are your MOQ and tiered pricing? Get exact MOQ per SKU and price breaks for higher volumes.

Quality Control and Testing

9. What quality inspection processes do you use? Ask about in-line checks, final inspections, and who performs them.
10. Can you share test reports or certificates? Request CE, RoHS, ISO, or other relevant certificates. Verify authenticity.
11. Do you allow third-party inspections? Confirm acceptance of SGS, Bureau Veritas, or your chosen inspector at the factory.
12. What is your defect rate and warranty policy? Request recent defect statistics and written warranty terms.

Production and Lead Time

13. What is the current production capacity for this item? Ask units per day or month. Ensure capacity matches your order timeline.
14. What is the standard lead time for full production? Get specific days for production after sample approval and deposit receipt.
15. How do you handle rush orders? Confirm extra cost and realistic delivery speed for expedited runs.
16. What is your production schedule and peak seasons? Learn seasonal slowdowns like Chinese New Year and national holidays that affect lead time.

Pricing and Payment

17. What is the unit price at each quantity tier? Get a price table for 1–100, 101–500, 501–1,000+ units to plan margins.
18. What are your payment terms and accepted methods? Ask about deposits, balance terms, bank transfer vs. trade assurance, and escrow options.
19. Are there extra costs (tooling, packaging, labeling)? Request itemized costs for mold fees, custom packaging, barcodes, and artwork setup.
20. How often do prices change and when are quotes valid? Confirm the quote validity period and triggers for price adjustments like raw material surges.

Shipping, Incoterms, and Logistics

21. Which incoterms do you use (FOB, CIF, EXW)? Clarify responsibility for freight, insurance, and customs at each incoterm.
22. Can you provide freight quotes and lead times? Ask for sea, air, and courier options with estimated transit times and costs.
23. Do you handle customs documentation and export compliance? Ensure they can provide commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
24. How is the product packed for export? Ask for carton specs, palletization, and photos of packing samples to prevent damage.

After-Sales and Risk Management

25. What is your process for returns, repairs, and dispute resolution? Request a written returns policy, RMA procedures, and timeline to resolve issues.

How to Use These Questions

Ask these questions in writing. Save email threads for proof. Use clear timelines and signed agreements. Make samples and inspections part of the contract. Verify certificates independently.

Need Help Sourcing or Verifying Suppliers?

Supplier Ally (https://sourcingall.com) offers supplier verification, factory audits, and QC services in China. Contact us to review quotes, confirm certificates, or assist with inspections. A short checklist and a few questions today can save you time and money on your next order.