How to Verify a Chinese Supplier (Before You Send a Dime)
Field guide · Beginner
The single biggest mistake new importers make is paying a "supplier" on Alibaba who turns out to be a trading company — or worse, a scammer. Here's the minimum verification checklist before any deposit:
- Ask for a real business license (营业执照) and check the company name against the invoice and website.
- Do a video call inside the actual factory, not a showroom. Ask them to walk to the production line.
- Search their company name for previous scams or complaints (Chinese-language searches often reveal far more than English ones).
- Get a sample or small trial order before any large commitment. Reputable factories will happily do this.
- Prefer verified suppliers (Alibaba's Gold Supplier / Trade Assurance) and pay through a platform that offers protection.