The 7-Factor China Supplier Vetting System
Run every new factory through this before you wire a cent. The checklist that separates the 5% worth working with from the 95%.
What it covers
- •Business license + USCC verification — how to confirm the factory is real and registered
- •Factory vs trading company test — exact questions and document checks that reveal which you're dealing with
- •Production capacity audit — is this factory actually sized for your order?
- •Quality certifications — which certificates are real, which are bought
- •Banking and payment verification — the checks that stop the personal-account redirect scam before it costs you
- •Staff and communication quality — what the response pattern tells you
- •Reference and prior buyer check — the questions that reveal a supplier's track record
Common Questions
What are the 7 factors in the supplier vetting system?
The 7 factors cover: (1) business license and USCC verification, (2) factory vs trading company identification, (3) production capacity vs your order volume, (4) quality certifications and actual audit history, (5) payment and banking verification, (6) key staff stability and communication quality, and (7) references and prior buyer verification.
How do I verify a Chinese factory's business license?
Every legitimate Chinese company has an 18-digit Unified Social Credit Code (USCC). You can verify it free at the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (qixin.gov.cn) or through a supplier's Alibaba profile. The checklist walks you through exactly what to look for and what flags a problem.
What's the difference between a factory and a trading company?
A factory manufactures. A trading company buys from factories and adds a margin. Many Alibaba listings present trading companies as factories. The vetting system includes specific checks to identify which you're dealing with — because it affects your price, your quality control, and your risk if something goes wrong.
What format is the checklist?
A PDF you can print or use on screen. Each factor has a checklist, what to look for, and a red-flag guide. Delivered instantly.