Before you pay a supplier, check the things that actually change risk.
Minimum checklist
- Legal business name
- Product photos and specs
- Certifications or test reports
- Payment terms
- Lead time
- Response quality
- Company footprint and contact consistency
Red flags
- Missing company details
- Generic product copy
- No clear payment process
- Vague delivery timeline
- Pressure to pay immediately
What to do next
If the supplier passes the first screen, move them into a structured inquiry and compare them side by side.