How to verify a supplier in China

Bottom line up front: one short list of red flags beats a hundred profiles. Below is the sequence we use before any money moves.

10 red flags that mean "run"

Document mismatches, registered-address red flags, capacity that doesn't add up — each flag with what to check and where.

On-site vs video factory audit (when each is worth it)

A decision table by order size and category risk, and what a video audit can and can't prove.

Third-party inspections: SGS, BV, and what they cost

Fee ranges by inspection type, turnaround times, and how to compare two inspection reports.

FAQ

Can I verify a supplier remotely? Yes — up to a point. See the on-site vs video table above.

What do inspections cost? Ranges in the section above; prices move with scope, so treat them as budget figures.

Next: run a factory audit with our 30-item checklist →