How to Verify Chinese Suppliers Before Ordering

Finding the right supplier in China can open the door to competitive pricing, a wide product range, and scalable production capacity. But before you place your first order, one crucial step stands between success and disaster: verifying your Chinese suppliers.

At YiwugoMU, as an experienced China sourcing agent, we’ve seen both sides of the story—smooth collaborations that build strong brands, and risky deals that cost buyers time and money. The difference often comes down to how well the buyer verifies the supplier before sending payment.

Here’s a clear, practical guide on how to do it right.

Step 1: Check the Supplier's Business License

A legitimate Chinese supplier must have a valid business license.

• Ask them to provide a scanned copy or clear photo of it.

• Verify that the company name, registration number, legal representative, and business scope are complete.

• Cross-check the license information on the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System.

If you’re unsure how to navigate the Chinese platform, a sourcing agent like YiwugoMU can help verify the license authenticity and translate the key details.

Step 2: Confirm Company Registration Details

Beyond the license, dig deeper into the supplier’s legal identity:

• Request their bank account under the company name (not a personal account).

• Ask for their VAT or tax registration certificate.

• Verify their business location through Google Maps or Baidu Maps, and confirm that it matches the license.

Scammers often use fake addresses or personal bank accounts, so confirming legal and financial consistency is essential.

Step 3: Verify Production Capability

Having a legal company doesn’t guarantee production strength. To avoid delays and quality issues:

• Request factory photos and production line videos.

• Ask for ISO, CE, or other relevant certifications if applicable to your product category.

• Check their past export experience (e.g. ask which countries they’ve shipped to, and request customs clearance documents from past shipments).

• If possible, arrange an on-site factory audit — YiwugoMU often performs these visits on behalf of our clients in China.

This step ensures the supplier can actually deliver the quantity and quality they promise.

Step 4: Review Product Samples Carefully

Before placing a bulk order, always request product samples.

• Inspect for materials, finish, durability, and packaging quality.

• Check that the samples match your specifications, drawings, or branding requirements.

• Keep the sample as a reference for future quality inspections during mass production.

Samples are your first line of defense against misunderstandings.

Step 5: Research Reputation and Track Record

A trustworthy supplier leaves behind a trail of proof. Do some background checks:

• Search for the supplier on Alibaba, Made-in-China, or Yiwugo and read reviews.

• Ask for client references or trade references from previous overseas buyers.

• Look up their export history on customs data platforms (like ImportGenius or Panjiva).

• Search their company name with words like “fraud” or “scam” to see if negative reports appear.

At YiwugoMU, we combine online research with local market knowledge to quickly spot red flags that might not be obvious from abroad.

Step 6: Use Safe Payment Methods

Even after you’ve verified the supplier, protect your payment:

• Start with a small trial order to test reliability.

• Use Alibaba Trade Assurance, PayPal (for samples), or a Letter of Credit (for large orders).

• Never send full payment upfront—use a 30% deposit + 70% after inspection structure instead.

And always make payments to the company’s registered bank account, not a personal account.

Work with a Local Sourcing Agent for Extra Security

Even with careful checks, verifying suppliers from overseas has limits—language barriers, cultural differences, and fake documentation can be challenging to spot.

That’s where a sourcing agent like YiwugoMU makes a difference:

• We conduct on-site factory audits to confirm legitimacy.

• We negotiate contracts in Chinese to protect your interests.

• We handle quality inspections, logistics, and export paperwork, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.

Ready to Verify Your First Supplier?

Verifying Chinese suppliers doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does need to be done right. If you’ve ever had trouble confirming a supplier’s legitimacy or you’re unsure what to ask for, drop your questions in the comments or contact YiwugoMU directly. We’re happy to check suppliers for you and make sure your first order is a safe one.