Key Questions to Ask Suppliers

Key Questions to Ask Suppliers: A Practical Guide for Smart Buyers

Choosing the right supplier is one of the most important decisions in global sourcing. A good supplier can help your business grow smoothly, while the wrong one can lead to quality issues, delays, financial losses, and even legal risks. Asking the right questions before placing an order is the best way to protect your business and build a reliable supply chain. This guide outlines the key questions every buyer should ask suppliers before starting cooperation.

1. Are You a Manufacturer or a Trading Company?

This is the first and most important question. Knowing whether you are dealing with a factory or a trading company helps you understand:

• Real production capacity

• Price transparency

• Quality control level

• Communication efficiency

Why it matters:Factories usually offer better prices and direct control over production, while trading companies may offer more product variety and lower MOQs.

2. What Certifications Do You Have?

Certifications reflect a supplier’s compliance with international standards and local regulations.

Key certifications to ask for include:

• ISO (Quality Management)

• CE, FCC, RoHS (for electronics)

• FDA (for food or medical-related products)

• SGS or TUV inspection reports

Why it matters:Certifications reduce legal risks and ensure your products can be imported and sold in your target market.

3. What Is Your Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?

MOQ directly affects your startup cost and inventory risk.

Ask:

• Is the MOQ flexible for first-time orders?

• Can you offer lower MOQs for trial orders?

• How does MOQ affect pricing?

Why it matters:Lower MOQs allow you to test the market before committing to large volumes.

4. What Is Your Production Lead Time?

Understanding production time helps you plan your inventory, marketing, and cash flow.

Ask:

• Standard production time

• Lead time during peak seasons

• Sample production time

Why it matters:Delays in production can cause stockouts, missed sales opportunities, and customer dissatisfaction.

5. What Is Your Quality Control Process?

Never assume quality control is automatic.

Ask:

• Do you perform in-house inspections?

• Are third-party inspections allowed?

• What is your defect rate?

• How do you handle defective products?

Why it matters:A strong QC process prevents disputes, returns, and long-term brand damage.

6. Can You Provide Samples Before Mass Production?

Always test samples before placing bulk orders.

Ask:

• Are samples free or paid?

• Is the sample quality identical to bulk production?

• How long does sample delivery take?

Why it matters:Samples confirm product quality, materials, workmanship, and performance before large investments are made.

7. What Are Your Payment Terms?

Payment terms define your financial risk.

Common options include:

• 30% deposit + 70% balance before shipment

• T/T, PayPal, L/C, or Alibaba Trade Assurance

Ask:

• Are payments refundable under any conditions?

• What happens if production is delayed?

Why it matters:Clear payment terms protect your cash flow and reduce fraud risk.

8. What Packaging and Labeling Options Do You Offer?

Ask about:

• Custom packaging design

• Private labeling

• Barcodes and compliance labels

• Export-grade packaging standards

Why it matters:Incorrect packaging can cause customs delays, damages, and compliance issues in your destination market.

9. What Incoterms and Shipping Options Do You Support?

Clarify whether they offer:

• EXW, FOB, CIF, or DDP shipping

• Air freight, sea freight, rail, or express delivery

Ask:

• Who handles customs clearance?

• Who pays duties and taxes?

• Can you provide door-to-door delivery?

Why it matters:Understanding shipping responsibility avoids hidden costs and logistical confusion.

10. How Do You Handle After-Sales Support and Disputes?

Ask:

• What is your warranty policy?

• How do you solve quality complaints?

• Do you offer refunds or replacements?

Why it matters:A reliable supplier stands behind their products even after delivery.

11. Can You Share References or Past Client Cases?

Serious suppliers should be able to show:

• Export history

• Past cooperation cases

• Target market experience (USA, EU, India, etc.)

Why it matters:References increase trust and prove real production and export capability.

12. Are You Open to Factory Audits or On-Ground Inspections?

Ask if:

• You can visit the factory

• A third-party audit is allowed

• Video inspections are supported

Why it matters:Transparency is a strong sign of a reliable and confident supplier. Contact Information

• Whatsapp: +86-18098151030Nancy/+91-9952044576Mallesh Gujjala/+86-181 2571 3582Rose/+86-13416222617Jack/+86-15918480524CC/+86-18125730121Kimi

• Email: nancy@gmrglobal.co

• Address: 201, Second Floor, PVR Building, Lawsons Bay Colony, Pedda Waltair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530017, India

672C+H8F, Vichoor, Echakuzhi, Manali New Town, Chennai, Edayanchavadi, Tamil Nadu 600103

1315, 25th Main Rd, Kottapalya, Jayanagara 9th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560041

Room 102, No.3 Zhongyi Feihe Street, Panyu District, Guangzhou

Room 102, No. 9, Zhenhua Road, Lecong, Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province

• Web:https://www.chinatoindiaddp.com/

Thank you for reading. I look forward to further communication with you! #Supplierevaluation #Productquality #Pricingnegotiation #Paymentterms