The 12-Point Supplier Evaluation Checklist
Choosing the wrong supplier costs more than money — it costs reputation, time, and market opportunity. Use this checklist to systematically evaluate potential senior care product manufacturers.
The Checklist
- Certifications: Do they have ISO 13485? Are products CE/UKCA marked? Request copies of all certificates.
- Factory Audit: Have they passed a third-party factory audit (SGS, TÜV, Bureau Veritas)? Request the latest report.
- Production Capacity: Can they scale to your projected volumes? Visit the factory if possible.
- Quality Control: What QC checkpoints exist? Incoming material inspection? In-process checks? Final inspection?
- MOQ Flexibility: Do they offer sample orders? Mixed containers? Can you start small and scale?
- Lead Time Reliability: What's their on-time delivery rate? Ask for references and verify.
- Communication: Do they respond within 24 hours? Is there a dedicated account manager who speaks your language?
- OEM Capability: Can they handle customization? Do they have an in-house design/engineering team?
- Compliance Documentation: Will they provide full technical files, test reports, and Declarations of Conformity?
- Logistics Support: Do they offer FOB, CIF, DDP terms? Can they recommend freight forwarders?
- After-Sales Service: What warranty do they provide? How are claims handled? Spare parts availability?
- Financial Stability: How long have they been in business? Can they provide trade references?
Red Flags to Avoid
- Unwilling to share certifications or audit reports
- Prices significantly below market average
- No physical factory address or photos
- Requires 100% payment upfront
- Cannot provide references from existing European clients
DS CARO welcomes factory audits and provides complete certification packages. Learn why distributors choose us.