| Product and vehicle compatibility | 20% | Part dimensions, mounting points, material, intended vehicle type, and any stated compatibility limits. | Request dimensioned drawings or clear product photos; compare measurements with your vehicle manual or original part before ordering. | Compatibility claims without model details, measurements, or a clear returns process. |
| Quality-control process | 20% | Incoming material checks, in-process inspection, final inspection, and how defects are recorded and handled. | Ask for a written inspection checklist and sample inspection records with sensitive information removed; confirm what happens when a batch fails inspection. | Vague assurances of “100% quality” without a described inspection process or defect-resolution procedure. |
| Business identity and supplier role | 15% | Whether the seller is a manufacturer, trading company, or sourcing agent; legal business details and the entity named on quotations and invoices. | Request the registered legal name and business registration details; check them through the relevant official company-registration source and ensure documents are consistent. | Different names across the quotation, payment instructions, and invoice without a clear explanation. |
| Samples and production capability | 15% | Availability of representative samples, production lead time, capacity for repeat orders, and ability to maintain specifications. | Order a sample where practical; compare it with the approved specification and ask how changes between sample and production batches are controlled. | Pressure to place a large order before sample approval or written confirmation of specifications. |
| Materials and product documentation | 10% | Material specifications, dimensions, operating limits, care instructions, and applicable safety or compliance documents where relevant. | Match documents to the exact product and intended market; verify any claimed test or certification with the issuing body when applicable. | Certificates that cannot be matched to the product, model, manufacturer, or issuing organization. |
| Communication and order terms | 10% | Response clarity, quotation validity, minimum order quantity, payment terms, production schedule, and responsibility for approved changes. | Request a written quotation and confirm specifications, quantities, delivery terms, and change approvals before payment. | Important terms are left to verbal agreement or change repeatedly without written confirmation. |
| Shipping, packaging, and export readiness | 5% | Packaging method, carton details, shipping options, export documents, and clarity about delivery responsibilities. | Confirm the agreed delivery term, destination, shipping method, and required documents in writing; request packaging details for fragile parts. | Unclear responsibility for freight, customs documentation, or damage in transit. |
| After-sales support and defect handling | 5% | Warranty scope, evidence required for claims, response process, replacement or refund options, and spare-part availability. | Ask for the written policy and confirm the process for reporting a defect, including required photos, time limits, and resolution options. | No written defect process or warranty terms that are unclear about exclusions and claim deadlines. |