China Sourcing Check Start a $99 Review
Before payment

How to Check a Chinese Supplier Before Payment

Before paying a new supplier, your goal is not to prove that everything is safe. Your goal is to check whether the evidence matches the order and whether any basic mismatch needs to be resolved first.

Check whether the names match

  • Compare the supplier name on the store, quotation, invoice, business license, and payment beneficiary.
  • Ask the supplier to explain any different company names before payment.
  • Do not assume a mismatch is harmless just because the salesperson says it is normal.

Review order evidence against your actual order

  • Match product photos, videos, specs, quantity, packaging, label, color, and lead time.
  • Keep one written version of the order details instead of relying only on chat history.
  • Ask for a revised quotation or proforma invoice if key details are missing.

Look for practical payment risk signals

  • Be cautious when payment details change late in the conversation.
  • Check whether the payment beneficiary is clearly connected to the supplier.
  • Avoid full payment when identity, order details, and payment instructions are not aligned.