How to evaluate a manufacturer before committing (checklist)

After burning $8k on a bad production run, I built this evaluation checklist:

BASICS □ Do they produce what you need? (not just "yes") □ MOQ realistic for your business? □ Lead time matches your launch timeline? □ Sample process and cost clear?

QUALITY □ Can they provide references/portfolio? □ What's their defect rate? (ask for numbers) □ Do they do in-house QC? □ Can you visit or hire third-party inspector?

LEGIT □ Business registration verified? □ Years in business? □ Export experience? □ Certifications (if needed): GOTS, OEKO-TEX, BSCI?

COMMUNICATION □ Response time under 48 hours? □ English fluent? □ Proactive with updates? □ Do they ask QUESTIONS about your product?

RED FLAGS

• Won't do samples
• Price too good to be true
• No references
• Vague about capabilities
• Only communicates via WhatsApp (legit operations have email)

Spend $200 on samples before $20k on production. Much cheaper lesson.