Most 1688 disasters aren’t bad luck. They’re skipped due diligence. Before we send a deposit to any supplier, we run this 20-point checklist. Steal it.
Company & identity (1–6)
- No business license on file. Legit suppliers show their 营业执照. “We’ll send it later” means no.
- The badge doesn’t match the name. 诚信通 (TrustPass) badge present, but the company name on the badge differs from the store name — classic rented-badge fraud.
- Less than 2 years on 1688. Not disqualifying alone, but combined with any other flag, walk away.
- No physical address you can verify. Factory address should map to an industrial zone, not a residential block.
- Contact only via personal WeChat/QQ. Real operations have company landlines and WangWang history.
- Refuses a video call at the factory. “The factory is far” from someone claiming to BE the factory is an instant fail.
Pricing & terms (7–12)
- Quote is 30%+ below everyone else. It’s not a bargain; it’s a different (worse) product or a deposit trap.
- Won’t put specs in writing. If the material, tolerance, or finish isn’t in the order confirmation, it doesn’t exist.
- 100% upfront demanded. Standard is 30% deposit, 70% before shipment. Full prepay on a first order is a red flag.
- Price changes between quote and PI. Small FX moves are normal; a 10% jump is not.
- “No problem” to every customization. Real factories push back on things they can’t do.
- Vague delivery dates. “尽量安排” (we’ll try our best to arrange) is not a date. Get a written ship date or keep looking.
Product & QC (13–17)
- No samples, or “samples are the bulk goods” pricing games. Paid samples are normal; refusing samples is not.
- Stock photos only, no factory photos. Ask for a photo of YOUR product on THEIR production line with today’s date.
- Can’t name their QC process. “We check everything” without an AQL standard (e.g., AQL 2.5) means no QC process.
- Swaps the approved sample. Get it in writing that bulk must match the sealed sample.
- No export experience. Domestic-only sellers may not have compliant packaging, proper HS codes, or fumigated pallets.
Communication (18–20)
- Slow replies that speed up when you mention payment. Responsiveness should be consistent, not commission-driven.
- The “yes means maybe” pattern. “可以的” (okay) vs “没问题” (no problem) vs “尽量” (we’ll try) — three yeses, three wildly different commitment levels.
- Pressure tactics. “Price goes up tomorrow,” “another buyer wants your slot” — legitimate factories don’t need countdown timers.
The bottom line
No supplier is perfect; you’re looking for patterns. One flag is a question. Three is a verdict.
Get the printable version: free 20 Red Flags Checklist (PDF) — then: Want the full vetting system? The 1688 Playbook.