The growing popularity of Chinese goods on the world market presents customers with the task of checking product quality. How to be sure that there is no shortage and the right amount of the product, if the seller is on the other side of the world? Inspection of the product at the place of purchase helps you avoid the hassle of returning or exchanging a defective product.
What You Must Ask the Supplier Before Ordering Goods from China
The first step to checking a supplier in China is to clarify all cooperation terms and whether they are ready to sign a contract with clearly defined conditions:
- quantity and description of the goods;
- production and delivery timelines to the warehouse;
- penalties for delays or defects.
Conscientious sellers who want to build long-term cooperation do not refuse written obligations. Also, pay attention to how quickly the representative or supplier responds.
Types of Suppliers in China: Who to Choose for Business
Main categories:
- Manufacturer (factories and plants). They offer the lowest price, customization options, and sometimes production under your trademark (brand). The downside is a high minimum order quantity (MOQ).
- Supplier. A company that buys batches from the factory and sells them with a small markup. You can purchase a smaller batch than directly from the factory. Suppliers have a wider assortment formed from products of different manufacturers.
- Intermediaries (wholesalers). They sell goods in small wholesale quantities, usually from a few units. Customization is unavailable, and production cannot be verified (wholesalers do not disclose the exact location). Goods are checked only upon arrival. The product cost is higher due to the markup.
All types of suppliers are represented on Chinese marketplaces — from factories to intermediaries and retail resellers. Also read how to purchase goods from a manufacturer in China.
Why is verifying Chinese suppliers a necessity for business?
Several reasons to order the service:
- Reduce financial risks. Don’t lose money to fake companies or intermediaries who disappear after receiving an advance payment.
- Avoid low-quality goods. If you don’t verify the Chinese supplier, you may receive products that don’t meet expectations or technical specifications.
- Avoid document issues. Some companies may operate illegally or have legal restrictions.
- Work with actual production capacity. Especially important if you want to manufacture goods under your own brand. Many companies claim to be manufacturers, but are actually just intermediaries.
- Get better pricing. Look for a factory that offers wholesale prices, not intermediaries with a markup.
Verification is especially crucial before placing a large order with a new partner you have never worked with before.
Supplier verification in China from DiFFreight: what’s included
We offer a comprehensive approach, verifying reliability through official sources to ensure factual and legal status match. So, what’s included in DiFFreight’s verification:
- Credit Code (Unified Social Credit Code) — the Chinese equivalent of Ukraine’s EDRPOU.
- Registered company name: does such a company exist and what is its business scope?
- Legal representative — who is the company registered to?
- Establishment date.
- Authorized capital — helps determine whether it’s a large company or a “fly-by-night” firm.
- Registration authority — where and by whom the company is registered.
- Legal status analysis.
- Whether the company’s registration is active, i.e., if all documents and permits are valid.
- Head office address.
- Business scope: are you dealing with a manufacturer or just a reseller?
We use online Chinese services to get firsthand information straight from the state. DiFFreight’s experience has repeatedly saved clients because we know the typical “red flags.”
10 key benefits of supplier verification by DiFFreight
- Verification time is only 24 hours.
- Fixed price of $50 per supplier.
- Verification only through official Chinese registries.
- Fraud protection – avoid losses from prepayments.
- Quality legal analysis confirms the company’s legitimacy.
- Financial check — analysis of registered capital.
- Simple service ordering with minimal time spent.
- Deep analysis of business scope.
- Risk reduction — avoid unreliable partners.
- Additional services: if verification reveals issues, we help find alternatives.
Manufacturer verification in China — our case studies
Here are two case studies where our verification service played a key role:
- The client requested a purchase but insisted on working only with a manufacturer, not an intermediary
The supplier did not provide clear information, which raised doubts. Our manager recommended using the "Supplier Verification" service. The client learned that the company had been on the market since 2015 and had significant capital but was registered as an intermediary, not a direct manufacturer.
This became a key factor in the decision. Our manager offered an additional “Supplier Search” service, where our buyers find verified manufacturers. We found a factory and completed the purchase.
- The client found a new supplier offering significantly lower prices
This client had worked with us for a long time and had trusted partners. However, they saw a new offer with very low prices. Our manager noted the pricing was suspicious and suggested a check.
It turned out the company started operations only in 2025, had minimal capital, was newly registered, and had an unclear business scope (manufacturer or reseller). The client decided not to make the purchase, suspecting potential fraud schemes.
Order supplier verification from China today
We invite you to use DiFFreight’s service to protect your investment and find reliable partners:
- No financial losses due to fraud.
- Fast and affordable verification ($50, 24 hours).
- Access to official company information.
- Additional services: finding a reliable manufacturer in case of negative results.
We know how to check supplier reliability, what to look for, and we help you find alternatives to keep your deliveries stable. Order verification now and get full details about your future partner!
Possible Issues and Problems When Choosing a Supplier
When purchasing goods from China, it’s essential to know how to check a Chinese counterparty:
- whether they are a fraudster, especially if you are buying retail or in small batches;
- whether their accounts are in order;
- product quality — the main criterion;
- whether they meet deadlines and agreed conditions.
The most common problem for our clients: they make a purchase from a supplier and then find a better price after payment. The second issue is a breach of agreement. Instead of the promised two weeks, the goods are delivered in a month and a half, disrupting all timelines. The third problem is incorrect documentation, preventing the cargo from being loaded onto the ship or plane immediately.
To prevent all these force majeure situations, you need a partner with representatives in China. Thousands of kilometers may separate you from the supplier, but this is not an issue for DiFFreight clients. We conduct thorough inspections — read on for more details.
When to carry out cargo inspection in China
Cargo inspection is not only a guarantee of product quality and safety, but also additional financial and time costs. How to understand whether it is worth ordering a cargo inspection or is it possible to do without it?
We recommend conducting an inspection in several cases:
- For the first orders. If you are working with a new supplier or manufacturer for the first time, you may not understand their production processes and quality standards. Therefore, before making purchases in China, it is worth checking the reliability of the supplier to prevent receiving a product of inadequate quality, which will spoil your reputation among customers.
- In the case of complex non-standard orders. If you buy products from China with special features (with your logo, custom design, special functions, etc.), you need to make sure that the manufacturer has correctly understood and fulfilled your task. In addition, if the supplier knows that an inspection will be carried out, he does his work better. Cargo inspection will help you check that all the details of your order have been completed correctly and accurately.
- If you doubt the reliability of the supplier. If the manufacturer often changes the terms of cooperation, delays deadlines, does not respond to questions or complaints, this may mean that he is trying to hide certain problems with the quality or delivery of the product. In this case, cargo inspection is a good way to protect your interests and rights.
You provide the inspector with a list of characteristics worth checking and receive comprehensive and unbiased inspection results
What types of inspections does the DiFFreight company offer?
DiFFreight's activities are focused on supporting businesses that cooperate with Chinese suppliers and ensuring the reliability and quality of their products. Search for supplier in China and delivery of goods from China to Ukraine are also our priorities in our work.
We offer our clients the following types of cargo inspection:
- Supplier Verification in China. We check the documents and licenses of the supplier or manufacturer, the company's registration date, authorized capital and market reputation.
- Checking the company's website. We are reviewing how relevant and reliable the website of the company you are cooperating with is. We analyze its content, reviews, contact information and other parameters to determine how accurate it is and not fraudulent.
- Inspection of the product according to the technical task of the client. We check the product according to your specifications. We evaluate the quality of Chinese goods, quantity, sizes, colors, packaging, labeling and other product characteristics. If necessary, we make a photo and video inspection report.
Product inspection in China makes it possible to detect the lack or shortage of the product in time
Based on the results of the inspection, you can confirm cooperation with the supplier from China and pay for the product in part or in full. If you have comments on the quality of the product, you need to contact the seller with a request to eliminate the defects. Believe me, it is much easier to do this while the goods are still in China and you do not have to think about how to exchange or return defective products from Ukraine to China.
The DiFFreight company helps you to build secure cooperation with Chinese suppliers, avoid fraudulent schemes and establish regular deliveries of goods to your warehouse.
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