Key production numbers
Identity checkMatch legal company, payment beneficiary, address and production location.
Capability proofReview comparable product, machinery, material route and sample behaviour.
Quality proofRequest measurable inspection records and traceable corrective actions.
Supply-chain viewAsk which operations are subcontracted and how those partners are controlled.
Verify who you are contracting with
Confirm the legal entity, business address, production location, payment beneficiary and responsible contacts. A trading company is not automatically a problem, but the commercial role must be clear.
Cross-check public profiles, registration information and facility references. Open Supply Hub provides open facility data that can help buyers identify and compare apparel-sector locations, though it does not replace independent verification.
Test capability with a relevant product
Ask for examples similar in fabric, construction, decoration and quality level to your project. Review the sample process: does the supplier identify missing requirements, measure results and control revisions?
A polished showroom garment does not prove repeat production. Use a paid controlled sample linked to your own specification.
Review quality systems
Ask how incoming fabric, in-line sewing, decoration, measurements, final appearance and packing are checked. Request examples of inspection reports with identifying details removed if necessary.
Look for measurable tolerances, defect categories, lot traceability and corrective actions rather than a generic statement that quality is checked.
Understand subcontracting
Printing, embroidery, washing, fabric processing and overflow sewing may occur at partner facilities. Ask which operations leave the main factory, who approves the partner and how quality and compliance are monitored.
The OECD describes garment supply chains as fragmented and multi-tiered. Risk-based due diligence should cover relevant business relationships, not only the final assembly site.
Check responsible-business evidence
Review available social, environmental and safety audits in context: issuer, scope, site, date, findings and corrective actions. A certificate name alone does not prove every requirement.
Ask about worker grievance mechanisms, working hours, chemical handling, wastewater where applicable and traceability. Use independent professional audits when risk or buyer policy requires them.
Validate commercial reliability
Compare detailed quotations, material assumptions, MOQ, sampling, payment, production lead time, inspection, shipping terms and remake handling. Avoid sending significant funds to an unverified beneficiary.
Start with a controlled order sized to learn. Keep approved samples, specifications, inspection records and payment documents so repeat performance can be measured.
Factory vetting evidence matrix
| Area | Evidence | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Legal entity and matching beneficiary | Unexplained payment mismatch |
| Capability | Relevant sample and process explanation | Photos without traceable work |
| Quality | Measurements and inspection records | Only verbal promises |
| Supply chain | Named subcontracted operations | Refusal to discuss partners |
| Compliance | Current scoped reports and corrections | Logo without site/date/scope |
| Commercial | Complete written quotation and terms | Pressure for unclear urgent payment |
Frequently asked questions
Is a factory audit mandatory?
It depends on risk, buyer policy and order; independent audits are valuable when stronger verification is needed.
Can a trading company be reliable?
Yes, if its role, factory relationships, responsibility and payment identity are transparent.
What is the best first test?
A controlled paid sample tied to your specification reveals technical communication and revision control.
How can I verify an audit?
Check issuer, report number, facility, scope, date, findings and corrective-action status.
Should I visit the factory?
A visit can add evidence but should be combined with documents, samples and quality records.
What if production is subcontracted?
Document the operation, location, approval and quality/compliance control before bulk.
Sources and verification
Official and industry-primary references used to verify standards, regulations and definitions in this guide.
OECD responsible garment supply chains ↗Open Supply Hub apparel facility data ↗