Finding the right supplier in Asia is probably the most important decision you’ll make as an importer. A good supplier can be a strategic partner for years; a bad one can cost you an entire sales season.
Before you search: define your requirements
Before contacting suppliers, be clear about:
- Detailed technical specifications for your product
- Estimated volume per order and per year
- Target budget (unit price, not just the total)
- Regulatory requirements for the Mexican market (NOMs, certifications)
- Delivery timelines you need
Without this information clearly defined, any quote you receive will be imprecise and negotiation will be harder.
Where to find suppliers
The most commonly used platforms are:
- Alibaba — The largest, but requires heavy filtering. Prioritize suppliers with Gold Supplier and Trade Assurance.
- Global Sources — More focused on verified suppliers, especially in electronics and hardware.
- Made-in-China — Good for industrial products and raw materials.
- Trade fairs — Canton Fair, India Trade Fair. They allow you to see products physically and meet the supplier.
However, finding a supplier on a platform is just the first step. The real verification comes after.
What to verify before the first order
1. Legal existence of the company
Request the supplier’s business license and verify it’s current. In China, you can verify companies through the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System.
2. Actual production capacity
A common mistake is assuming the supplier can handle your volume. Verify:
- How many production lines do they have?
- What is their actual monthly capacity?
- What percentage of their capacity is committed to other clients?
- Do they have their own factory or do they subcontract?
3. Quality control system
Ask and verify:
- Do they have certifications (ISO 9001, BSCI, SA8000)?
- Do they have their own testing laboratory?
- What is their reported defect rate?
- How do they handle quality claims?
4. References and export history
Request references from other clients, especially in Latin America. A supplier with experience exporting to Mexico will already know the labeling and documentation requirements.
5. Communication and service
Evaluate how quickly and clearly the supplier responds. Communication is a direct indicator of what it will be like to work with them. If there are communication problems from the quoting stage, production will be worse.
The factory audit: your best tool
The most reliable way to evaluate a supplier is with an on-site factory audit. An independent auditor visits the facilities and assesses:
- Plant conditions and machinery
- Production processes and quality control
- Labor conditions and social compliance
- Actual vs. declared capacity
- Raw material management and storage
The result is an objective report that allows you to make an informed decision before committing capital.
Red flags you should watch for
- The supplier doesn’t allow factory visits
- Prices significantly below market
- They can’t show samples from previous production
- They pressure you to send full payment upfront
- They have no experience exporting to your market
- They change terms after receiving the deposit
Conclusion
Choosing a reliable supplier requires research, verification, and ideally, on-site presence. Don’t leave the most important decision of your import operation to chance.
At Trifecta, we help you evaluate suppliers with factory audits and verifications in China, India, and Vietnam. Contact us to protect your next operation.