Start by defining what you need to verify
A supplier can be a real registered company and still be unsuitable for your product. Verification should answer several separate questions: does the company exist, are you communicating with that company, can it supply the required product, and what controls will protect the order?
1. Match the company identity
Ask for the Chinese legal company name and business license. Compare the name used on the quotation, proforma invoice, contract and payment beneficiary. If names differ, ask for a documented explanation before sending money.
2. Review public and platform information
Check how long the public profiles have existed, whether contact details and product categories are consistent, and whether the company presents itself as a manufacturer, trading company or both. Platform badges can be useful evidence, but they do not replace independent checks.
3. Test product knowledge through the RFQ
Ask specific questions about material, tolerances, customization, tooling, sample process and production lead time. A relevant supplier should be able to explain what information is missing and which requirements affect price or MOQ.
4. Verify claims at the right level
- Request complete certificates or reports rather than cropped images.
- Check the company name, product scope, dates and issuing organization.
- Confirm whether a document covers the exact product you intend to buy.
- Use the issuer or an appropriate specialist when independent verification is required.
5. Use samples, video and third-party checks appropriately
A live video call, paid sample, factory audit and pre-shipment inspection answer different questions. A sample can show product details, but it does not prove future batch consistency. An audit can examine facilities and systems, while an inspection checks a particular production lot against defined criteria.
6. Protect payment and order records
Reconfirm payment instructions through a trusted channel, especially after any last-minute bank-account change. Keep the final specification, approved sample notes, quotation, payment terms, inspection plan and supplier commitments in written documents.
Escalate verification as exposure grows
A small sample order and a large custom production run should not receive the same diligence budget. Increase independent checks when deposits, tooling, regulated products, safety risks or business-critical timelines are involved.