Verify a Chinese supplier before you pay: 8-step checklist

The 8-step checklist at a glance

1. Match the namesLicense, invoice and bank account show the same company.
2. Look up the registryThe company exists, is active and makes or sells what you are buying.
3. Check the account historyYears on the platform, transaction records and reviews.
4. Video callMeet the person and see the workshop or warehouse live.
5. Order a sampleCheck quality before the bulk order.
6. Agree specs in writingSpecs, price, lead time and payment terms on the proforma invoice.
7. Use a safer payment structurePlatform protection or a deposit with the balance after inspection.
8. Watch for slow-down signsPause and ask more questions if something doesn't add up.

Step 1: match the names on license, invoice and bank account

Ask for a photo of the business license (营业执照, yíngyè zhízhào). The company name on it, usually in Chinese, should match the seller on the proforma invoice and the beneficiary on the bank account you pay. If they differ, ask why. There can be good reasons (a group with a separate export company, for example), but you want it explained and in writing.

Paying a personal account is common with small 1688 shops but gives you less protection. For larger amounts, prefer a company account or platform payment.

Step 2: look up the registry

The license shows an 18-character Unified Social Credit Code (统一社会信用代码). Search it in the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (gsxt.gov.cn), China's official company registry. Check the name, address, business scope and the status:

The business scope tells you whether they are registered to make or only sell the product; see factory or trading company.

Step 3: check the account and trade history

On Alibaba.com, look at how many years the supplier has been on the platform, transaction records shown on the profile, response rate and buyer reviews, and whether details are checked by a third party (see Alibaba Verified Supplier). On 1688, look at the shop's years, sales counts and reviews. A new account is not a bad sign on its own; it just means you lean more on the other checks.

Step 4: video call and a live look at the line

A short video call lets you meet the person you are dealing with and see the workshop or warehouse live. Ask them to show your product type being made or stored. Many suppliers are happy to do this; if the timing is hard, agree a time that suits both time zones.

Step 5: sample first

Order a sample before the bulk order and check it against your specs. Keep an approved sample as the reference, and say in writing that the bulk order must match it. Sample fees are normal; small amounts are a cheap way to test both the product and the supplier.

Step 6: agree everything in writing

Put specs, quantity, unit price, price term (such as FOB), lead time, packaging and payment terms on the proforma invoice or contract. Vague orders cause most disputes, on both sides.

Step 7: use a safer payment structure

• Platform protection: on Alibaba.com, pay through Trade Assurance so the order is covered by its terms.
• Staged payments: a deposit (often 30%) to start, the balance after production and ideally after an inspection.
• Inspection before the balance: a third-party pre-shipment inspection; see factory audits and inspections.
• Bank changes: if you get a message saying the bank account has changed, confirm by video or phone with the person you know before paying. Email scams that swap bank details are a known risk in trade.

For ways to send money and their costs, see how to pay Chinese suppliers.

Step 8: gentle slow-down signs

None of these prove anything on their own, and honest suppliers sometimes trigger them. They are reasons to slow down and ask another question:

• The price is far below every other quote for the same spec.
• Pressure to pay quickly, or full payment up front for a first order.
• Names that don't match, without an explanation.
• Reluctance to send a license photo or do any video call.
• A change of bank details sent by email.

We confirm the basics in Mandarin when we reach out

When you send us a free sourcing quote request, we reach out to suppliers in Mandarin and ask basic questions, such as whether they make the product themselves, and pass on what they tell us. We don't inspect or guarantee suppliers, and you always pay any supplier directly. Requesting a quote is free.

Frequently asked questions

General information as of October 15, 2026, not legal or financial advice. These checks lower risk but cannot remove it. Registry details can lag; use several checks together.