1. Check whether the exporter understands the specification
Ask how the product is defined, what tolerances apply and which parameters will be confirmed. Generic answers such as “best quality” or “export quality” are not enough for a serious B2B order.
2. Review business and documentary evidence
Verify the legal business identity and ask for relevant transaction, product, inspection or certification evidence where applicable. Evidence should be current and relevant to the actual requirement.
3. Compare the full commercial offer
Confirm quantity, MOQ, packaging, price basis, Incoterm, payment terms, lead time, validity period and what is included or excluded. A quotation is useful only when the scope is clear.
4. Understand the quality-control workflow
Ask when quality is checked, who performs the checks, whether samples or third-party inspection are used and how non-conformity is handled.
5. Assess communication quality
Slow, inconsistent or evasive answers before an order often become bigger problems after payment. Good sourcing partners explain limits as clearly as capabilities.
6. Avoid unsupported scale claims
Treat broad claims such as “largest,” “leading,” “trusted worldwide” or “certified for every market” cautiously unless they can be substantiated.