Over15 years sourcing drinkware from China, I’ve learned that skipping these 5 checks almost always leads to problems:
- Factory’s Core Expertise
Not all factories are equal. Some specialize in stainless steel, others in glass ，aluminum. Match your product to the factory’s core strength. - Quality Control Process
Ask: Do they have in-line inspection? What’s their defect rate? Who checks before shipping? - Communication Responsiveness
A factory that takes 3 days to reply during sample stage will take 3 weeks during production issues. - Material Specifications
Confirm the grade of stainless steel, thickness of glass, or type of plastic – don’t assume anything - Compliance Certifications
For Europe: LFGB, REACH. For US: FDA. For Australia: AS/NZS. Ask for certificates upfront.
Get these right, and you’ll avoid 80% of common sourcing headaches.
