Compare Chinese factories across 7 dimensions: price, MOQ, payment terms, lead time, compliance, QC history, and communication. Evaluate suppliers objectively before making a decision.
Use this framework to evaluate and compare Chinese factories objectively. Each dimension includes key questions to ask and what to look for.
| Dimension | Key Questions | What to Look For | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Pricing & Total Cost | Unit price? Tooling costs? Sample fees? Are there hidden charges for packaging, testing, or documentation? | Transparent breakdown. Compare FOB vs CIF. Factor in shipping to get landed cost. | High |
| 2. MOQ & Flexibility | What is the minimum order quantity? Can they scale up or down? Do they accept trial orders? | Flexible MOQ. Willingness to start small and grow. No rigid minimums. | High |
| 3. Payment Terms | Deposit percentage? Balance timing? Payment methods (T/T, L/C, PayPal)? | Industry standard: 30% deposit / 70% before shipment. Avoid 50%+ deposits. | High |
| 4. Lead Time & Capacity | Production lead time? Sample turnaround? Do they have capacity for your order volume? | Realistic timelines. Clear production schedule. Capacity to handle rush orders. | Medium |
| 5. Compliance & Certifications | ISO 9001? Product-specific certs? Social compliance audits? Export experience to your market? | Valid, relevant certifications. Familiarity with your target market regulations. | High |
| 6. Quality Control History | QC processes? Inspection pass rates? Defect history? Allow third-party inspections? | Open to inspections. Track record of quality. Willing to share QC data. | High |
| 7. Communication & Responsiveness | English proficiency? Response time? Willingness to share information? Cultural fit? | Clear communication. Quick response. Transparent about capabilities and limitations. | Medium |
A real example showing how three factories compare across key dimensions.
| Dimension | Factory A | Factory B (Best) | Factory C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit Price (FOB) | $3.50 | $3.75 | $4.20 |
| MOQ | 5,000 units | 2,000 units | 10,000 units |
| Payment Terms | 50% deposit | 30% deposit | 30% deposit |
| Lead Time | 35 days | 28 days | 40 days |
| Compliance | ISO 9001 | ISO 9001, CE | None |
| Inspection History | Pass rate 94% | Pass rate 97% | No data shared |
| Communication | ✓ English OK | ✓ Fluent English | ✗ Limited |
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