Trust · 6 min read
Factory vs. Trader: how to tell them apart
Business-scope, capacity and on-site signals that separate a real factory from a reseller marking up your order.
Identify the contracting company
Request the legal company name, registration details, production address and quotation issuer. Reconcile the contract and payment beneficiary; document relationships between brands and legal entities.
Check production capability
Ask which processes are owned or subcontracted, what equipment is available and how current scheduling affects your order. Use product-specific questions and a live walkthrough to check capacity claims.
Assign responsibility
A trader may provide useful consolidation and export services. Identify the actual manufacturer, quality owner, after-sales contact and subcontracting rules. A directory listing is not independent verification.
Keep a decision record
Retain company documents, visit notes, approved samples and written confirmations. Resolve conflicting addresses or unexpected beneficiary changes before payment.
