How to Choose a Reliable Sofa Manufacturer in China: 8-Point Checklist

Choosing the right manufacturer makes or breaks your import programme. A low price is meaningless if quality is inconsistent, lead times slip, or communication breaks down mid-production. This checklist gives you a structured way to evaluate suppliers beyond the Alibaba storefront.

1. Factory Audit Reports. 2. European Client References. 3. Production Specialisation. 4. Compression Technology. 5. QC Process — map the QC checkpoints: incoming material inspection, in-line inspection, pre-compression inspection, and pre-shipment inspection.

6. Capacity & Lead Time. 7. Communication — test responsiveness before placing an order. 8. Payment Terms — standard first-order terms are 30% deposit / 70% against shipping documents. Avoid suppliers demanding 100% upfront.