Exploring Public Information Resources
- National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (NECIPS): This is the go-to resource for confirming the legitimacy of Chinese companies.
- Whois Lookup: Provides domain registration details, including the registrant's name, contact numbers, address, email, and more.
- Archive.org (Wayback Machine): Offers insights into the supplier's online presence, including the launch date, frequency of updates, and consistency in their industry operations.
- Social Media and Online Research: Gather insights into the supplier's business activities and employee profiles.
Engaging with Suppliers Directly
- Conducting Surveys: Craft a comprehensive survey that covers essential information, financial health, and operational capabilities.
- Scheduling Phone or Video Calls: Engage in direct communication with suppliers to verify their registration details, business licenses, and to request supporting documentation.
- Arranging On-Site Visits: Visit the supplier's premises or production facilities to gain a firsthand understanding of their operations.
Employing Third-Party Services
- Background Investigation Firms: Provide in-depth background checks on suppliers.
- Credit Rating Services: Platforms like Dun & Bradstreet and Experian offer credit scores and reports.
- Tendata: Provides access to customs data and detailed enterprise background checks.
Additional Verification Techniques
- Requesting Product Samples: Assess quality and their responsiveness.
- Consulting Industry Associations and Chambers of Commerce: Seek recommendations and evaluations for more authoritative insights.
- Gathering Peer and Partner Opinions: Consult with industry peers or partners to gain their perspectives on suppliers.
Critical Considerations
- Verify Essential Information: Focus on a supplier's registration, financial status, production capacity, quality management, and industry reputation.
- Cross-Validation: Utilize a variety of methods to cross-check the accuracy and reliability of information.
- Ongoing Assessments: Establish a comprehensive supplier management framework for regular evaluation and assessment.