Picking a factory on price alone is how most sourcing problems start. Before any purchase order, there are six things worth checking properly.
Start with capacity — can they actually produce your volume on your timeline, or are you third in line behind bigger clients? Then look at their compliance history: audit reports and test certificates tell you more than a showroom tour ever will. Ask about their experience with your specific product category, since a factory that’s excellent at hard goods may be the wrong fit for soft toys.
Communication matters more than people expect. A factory that’s slow or vague before you’ve placed an order won’t suddenly improve once production is underway. Visit if you can, or work with a partner who already has boots on the ground. Finally, ask about their subcontracting practices — knowing exactly who is making your product, not just who signed the contract, is non-negotiable.