### **Supplier Verification Checklist** **Ensure You’re Partnering with a Real Manufacturer** Use t
Company Information
- Obtain the full legal name of the company.
- Access the relevant government database for registration.
- Check the status of registration (active, inactive).
- Ensure the registration matches the name used in communications.
- Locate the company's registered address.
- Verify the address using mapping tools.
- Confirm phone numbers and email addresses listed.
- Contact the company to ensure the information is current.
- Look for incorporation documents or registration certificates.
- Check the company's website for an 'About Us' section.
- Verify information through reliable business directories.
- Cross-reference with industry reports or databases.
- Assess the design quality and ease of navigation.
- Check for up-to-date information and recent updates.
- Evaluate the presence of clear contact details.
- Look for professional branding elements and content.
- Obtain the full legal name of the company.
- Access the relevant government database for registration.
- Check the status of registration (active, inactive).
- Ensure the registration matches the name used in communications.
- Locate the company's registered address.
- Verify the address using mapping tools.
- Confirm phone numbers and email addresses listed.
- Contact the company to ensure the information is current.
- Look for incorporation documents or registration certificates.
- Check the company's website for an 'About Us' section.
- Verify information through reliable business directories.
- Cross-reference with industry reports or databases.
- Assess the design quality and ease of navigation.
- Check for up-to-date information and recent updates.
- Evaluate the presence of clear contact details.
- Look for professional branding elements and content.
- Identify the owners and their roles within the company.
- Review public records or press releases for executive details.
- Check for any board members or advisory roles.
- Verify backgrounds and credentials of key executives.
- Review news articles or press releases for changes.
- Look for announcements regarding mergers or acquisitions.
- Check industry reports for stability in management.
- Assess their impact on the company's operations.
- Request the TIN/EIN directly from the company.
- Validate the number through government tax websites.
- Ensure compliance with tax regulations.
- Confirm the number is associated with the registered name.
- Investigate the company's corporate structure.
- Identify any subsidiaries listed in filings or reports.
- Check the roles and functions of affiliated entities.
- Assess the impact on overall business operations.
- Search for the company's profiles on major platforms.
- Evaluate the frequency and quality of posts.
- Review follower engagement and interactions.
- Check for transparency in communications.
- Search for listings on association websites.
- Confirm active membership status.
- Evaluate benefits associated with membership.
- Look for participation in industry events or initiatives.
- Review brochures, ads, and online content.
- Check for consistent logos, colors, and messaging.
- Assess the quality of images and text used.
- Ensure alignment with industry standards.
- Search legal databases for lawsuits or claims.
- Review court records for outcomes and implications.
- Assess the company's response to legal challenges.
- Consider any impact on reputation or operations.
- Check regulatory agency databases for recalls.
- Review press releases related to safety issues.
- Evaluate the company's response and corrective actions.
- Assess any impact on consumer trust and sales.
- Search for industry awards on the company's website.
- Check news articles for recognition mentions.
- Evaluate the significance of the awards.
- Consider the impact of awards on credibility.
Manufacturing Capabilities
- Ask for the addresses of all manufacturing sites.
- Verify the legitimacy of these locations through mapping tools.
- Request photos or videos of the facilities if possible.
- Check for industry certifications or licenses associated with the facilities.
- Request detailed production schedules and timelines.
- Inquire about maximum daily or monthly output.
- Understand the ability to increase production if needed.
- Evaluate historical data on production output fluctuations.
- Request a catalog or list of current products.
- Confirm if they have experience in your specific product category.
- Ask about customization capabilities for your products.
- Evaluate any certifications relevant to the product types.
- Request specifications of machinery and technology in use.
- Inquire about the age and maintenance of the equipment.
- Check if they use any proprietary technology.
- Ask about the training provided to staff on equipment operation.
Certifications and Compliance
- Identify relevant certifications for the industry.
- Request copies of certification documents from the supplier.
- Verify the authenticity of certifications through issuing bodies.
- Ensure certifications are up to date and not expired.
- Research applicable local and international regulations.
- Request documentation demonstrating compliance.
- Confirm supplier's understanding of regulatory requirements.
- Check for any past compliance issues or violations.
- Ask for documentation outlining quality control procedures.
- Inquire about testing methods and frequency.
- Request samples of quality control reports.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of their quality control systems.
- Request access to recent audit findings.
- Examine reports for any non-conformities or issues.
- Check the timeline of the last audit for relevance.
- Evaluate the supplier's response to audit findings.
Financial Stability
- Request balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
- Verify statements are audited by a reputable firm.
- Ensure documents cover at least the last three years.
- Look for consistency and growth trends in the data.
- Check credit ratings from agencies like Moody's or S&P.
- Review financial ratios such as debt-to-equity and current ratio.
- Evaluate payment history with suppliers and creditors.
- Consider acquiring a credit report for detailed insights.
- Search public records for bankruptcy filings.
- Review news articles or press releases for financial troubles.
- Talk to industry contacts for insights on past issues.
- Assess any legal actions taken against the company.
- Request a list of current and past clients.
- Contact references to evaluate satisfaction and reliability.
- Verify partnerships with reputable organizations in the industry.
- Look for testimonials or case studies as proof of capability.
Reputation and References
- Use platforms like Google, Yelp, or industry-specific sites.
- Look for patterns in reviews regarding quality and service.
- Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback.
- Check the date of reviews for relevance.
- Request a list of references from the supplier.
- Prepare specific questions regarding their satisfaction.
- Inquire about the reliability and responsiveness of the supplier.
- Follow up with multiple clients for a balanced perspective.
- Search for any legal filings or disputes involving the supplier.
- Review industry forums or news articles for relevant information.
- Check with local business bureaus for complaints.
- Ensure to consider the context of any disputes.
- Identify relevant industry associations for the supplier.
- Check if the supplier is a member in good standing.
- Look for any awards or recognitions from these associations.
- Verify their participation in industry events or conferences.
Communication and Support
- Send initial inquiries via email or phone.
- Record the time taken for supplier to respond.
- Note the clarity and relevance of their responses.
- Consider follow-up inquiries for consistency.
- Check the hours of operation for support services.
- Identify multiple channels for support (phone, chat, email).
- Inquire about response times for each support channel.
- Evaluate whether support is available in your time zone.
- Ask supplier about language capabilities of their staff.
- Request documentation in your preferred language.
- Assess the clarity of communications received.
- Consider using a language proficiency test if necessary.
- Request detailed information on warranty terms.
- Ask about procedures for returns and exchanges.
- Inquire about available technical support after purchase.
- Confirm how long after-sales support is provided.
Logistics and Supply Chain
- Request shipping options available.
- Evaluate average delivery times for different regions.
- Check for any seasonal variations in shipping times.
- Confirm emergency shipping procedures in case of delays.
- Research logistics partners' reputations.
- Ask for references from other clients.
- Assess the transportation methods used (air, sea, land).
- Check for compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Request details on inventory tracking systems used.
- Evaluate reorder levels and safety stock practices.
- Understand how they handle excess or obsolete inventory.
- Check for integration with supply chain partners.
- Identify single-source suppliers and assess risks.
- Evaluate geopolitical risks affecting supply routes.
- Check for natural disaster preparedness plans.
- Review history of past disruptions and resolutions.
Use in Manifestly