China Supplier Due Diligence Checklist for Small Sellers
Before a first order, verify the supplier, the exact product and the transaction path as separate workstreams. This checklist helps small sellers avoid relying on one reassuring message.
Research note
This guide is educational content for early-stage sourcing research. Supplier, price, MOQ, compliance and delivery details must be confirmed independently. Product2Factory may show demo data or public search leads.
Due diligence is a decision process, not a single badge or database lookup. For a small first order, focus on the risks you can actually control: identity, specification, sample, payment, inspection and delivery.
Pre-order checklist
| Workstream | Minimum evidence | Open question |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Consistent legal and payment details | Who exactly receives the payment? |
| Product | Written specification and current photos | Does the sample match the order version? |
| Documents | Product-specific reports or certificates where required | What scope, market and date do they cover? |
| Quality | Sample approval and inspection criteria | What happens when goods fail? |
| Delivery | Written shipping basis and timing | Which costs and risks are excluded? |
A controlled first order
- 1
Start with one approved version
Avoid changing product, color, packaging and logo at the same time unless you can test each change.
- 2
Keep a written record
Save the quotation, sample photos, artwork, inspection notes, payment details and change history.
- 3
Use an inspection decision
Agree who checks the goods, when the check occurs, what defects matter and what remedy is available.
- 4
Review before reordering
Compare delivered quality and costs with the original brief before increasing quantity or customization.
FAQ
Do I need a factory audit for every small order?
The appropriate level of checking depends on product risk, order size and market requirements. Do not assume a chat or platform profile replaces a risk-based review.
What should I verify first?
Verify the exact product and payment identity first, because a perfect-looking quote is not useful if the item or recipient is unclear.
Can Product2Factory verify a supplier for me?
No. It can organize evidence and questions, but it cannot conduct an audit, validate documents or accept liability for a supplier.
Sources and further reading
Related guides
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