1. Use search engines & Chinese suppliers’ directories
When checking out Chinese wholesale websites, go through all their policies (returns, damages, backorders), and make sure they have their contact information and physical address posted on their site.
Open Google or Bing and search “[company name] + scam,” “[company name] + dishonest,” and a few variations. Other distributors and retailers who had a bad experience with China wholesale suppliers often try to leave a trace about it on the web.
While searching the supplier’s company name, you will find the profiles they created on several B2B directories, including Alibaba, Global Sources, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and many more.
These places are a great start to look through reviews, get references and ask questions, but beware of members who are simply trying to self-promote. For example, look out for how long the supplier has been in operation (it’s good to do business with a supplier who has been in the market for at least 2-3 years).
Also, many B2B marketplaces usually offer verification services such as this one provided by Alibaba, so it makes your life a lot easier when it comes to determining if you can trust a particular supplier or not. Similarly, Global Sources checks important data of suppliers such as the start date, number of staff in each department, factory ownership, amount of sales, brand names, and so on.
Furthermore, with Google search, you might also come across information such as whether a supplier has participated in trade shows recently, which is a good sign that you’re dealing with reputable China wholesale suppliers. Renting a booth and attending trade shows can be seen as an investment in gaining new customers. Repeated presence in trade shows also means that the supplier is earnest in cultivating relationships with customers.