| Sample Accuracy |
Whether the sample matches the approved drawings, dimensions, materials, colors, hardware, and finish. |
All critical dimensions and specifications are recorded in an approved sample sheet with measurable tolerances. |
Use calipers, tape measures, color references, and a signed approval checklist before mass production. |
15% |
The supplier asks for verbal approval only or changes materials without written confirmation. |
| Material Quality |
Panel type, thickness, edge banding, veneer or laminate, adhesive, fittings, and moisture resistance. |
Material names, thicknesses, grades, and applicable formaldehyde or emissions documentation are listed in the specification. |
Request material declarations, test reports where relevant, and a pre-production sample using the same materials. |
12% |
The sample uses better materials than the proposed production specification. |
| Construction and Function |
Door alignment, drawer operation, joint strength, load capacity, soft-close function, and installation design. |
Doors and drawers operate smoothly; joints remain stable during repeated opening, closing, and reasonable load testing. |
Conduct a physical inspection and document test results with photographs or short videos. |
12% |
Uneven gaps, loose fittings, sharp edges, unstable cabinets, or unclear installation instructions. |
| Factory and Quality System |
Production capacity, process control, inspection procedures, equipment, traceability, and subcontracting practices. |
A documented quality-control process covers incoming materials, in-process checks, final inspection, packing, and corrective action. |
Arrange a live or third-party factory audit and confirm whether production is performed in-house or subcontracted. |
12% |
The facility cannot show inspection records, process controls, or a clear production location. |
| Communication Quality |
Response speed, technical understanding, document accuracy, language clarity, and escalation procedures. |
Questions are answered in writing with consistent specifications, revision numbers, responsibilities, and deadlines. |
Use a trial request for quotation and score response completeness, turnaround time, and handling of technical changes. |
10% |
Frequent misunderstandings, missing drawings, unexplained price changes, or reliance on informal messages. |
| Quotation Transparency |
Product price, tooling, packaging, inspection, inland transport, export documentation, and payment-related charges. |
The quotation identifies currency, validity period, inclusions, exclusions, minimum order quantity, lead time, and delivery term. |
Compare at least three itemized quotations using the same specification and delivery term. |
8% |
An unusually low price is offered without a clear explanation of materials, packaging, or logistics costs. |
| Contract Completeness |
Product specifications, approved samples, tolerances, inspection rights, delivery obligations, payment terms, and remedies. |
The contract incorporates drawings, bills of materials, packaging requirements, quality standards, and a clear change-control process. |
Have the agreement reviewed by qualified legal or trade professionals before signing. |
12% |
Important terms exist only in chat messages, or the contract does not define acceptance and rejection procedures. |
| Delivery and Incoterms |
Production schedule, shipment readiness, export responsibility, risk transfer, insurance, and required documents. |
The purchase contract states the agreed Incoterms® 2020 rule, named place, shipment date, and document responsibilities. |
Confirm the term with the freight forwarder and verify commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, and origin documents as applicable. |
8% |
The seller uses an unclear delivery term or cannot explain when risk and costs transfer. |
| Pre-Shipment Inspection |
Inspection timing, sampling method, defect classification, packaging checks, quantity, and loading condition. |
Inspection criteria are agreed before production, and payment or shipment is linked to documented results where appropriate. |
Use an independent inspection service or an approved internal inspection team before final payment. |
8% |
Inspection is refused, postponed until after shipment, or limited to counting cartons only. |
| Packaging and Protection |
Carton strength, corner protection, moisture control, labeling, palletization, and suitability for the selected transport mode. |
Packaging specifications identify protective materials, carton markings, product identification, and handling instructions. |
Approve a packed sample and perform a packaging review before container loading. |
5% |
Thin packaging, mixed labels, missing carton identification, or no protection for edges and hardware. |
| After-Sales Support |
Response channel, warranty coverage, replacement parts, claim handling, technical support, and compensation process. |
A written warranty and claim procedure defines response time, required evidence, replacement responsibility, and resolution deadlines. |
Test the support process with a written hypothetical claim before placing the order. |
10% |
No warranty document, unclear spare-parts policy, delayed replies, or refusal to record complaints. |
| Total Evaluation Score |
Combine the weighted results from samples, communication, contracts, logistics, inspection, and after-sales service. |
Use a 100-point scorecard and require all critical quality and contractual requirements to pass, even if the total score is high. |
Shortlist suppliers that achieve at least 80 points and pass the sample, contract, and inspection gates. |
100% |
A supplier receives a high commercial score but fails mandatory safety, quality, documentation, or service requirements. |