Why Sourcing Agent Can’t Be Auditor
Here’s a scenario I’ve seen more than once. A buyer hires a sourcing agent to find a factory in China. The agent does — takes a 5% commission on the upcoming order — and then offers to also run the…
China Supplier Risk Intelligence
How to Spot a Fake Alibaba Supplier: 8 Red Flags Buyers Miss
You found a supplier on Alibaba. They have a Gold Supplier badge, professional photos, and a five-star response rate. Their quote is competitive. You’re ready to move forward. Trust them with confidence after verification Before you wire the deposit: most…
China Factory vs Trading Company: 5 Ways to Verify Before You Commit
Every trading company on Alibaba calls itself a factory. Every one of them has factory photos. Many have factory certifications. Some have arranged “factory tours” — visits to a manufacturer they have a relationship with, presented as their own facility.…
Remote China Supplier Verification: 3 Financial Dimensions I Check Before Any Factory Visit
A buyer once asked me what I look for in the first thirty minutes of evaluating a Chinese supplier. Before samples. Before a video call. Before any quote. My answer surprised him: I open three government databases, not their Alibaba…
How to Verify a Chinese Supplier Before Paying a Deposit
The deposit request came in on a Tuesday afternoon. Thirty percent upfront — standard terms, the supplier explained. Their Alibaba storefront had a Gold Supplier badge, 4.9 stars, and a banner that said “15 Years Export Experience.” By Friday, the…
