Nothing beats the insights you can gain from a face-to-face factory visit. As any seasoned sourcing professional knows, these visits are your golden ticket to understanding the real capabilities behind those glossy product catalogs and polished email exchanges.

Read along to discover our curated list of over 30 strategic questions—distilled from years of sourcing expertise—to sucessfully prepare your next factory visit in China.

Why Factory Visits Matter

Imagine walking into a manufacturing facility that looks pristine on the surface, only to discover later that their quality control is as reliable as a chocolate teapot. That’s why thorough factory visits are your secret weapon when sourcing from China. They’re not just about inspecting machinery or walking production lines – they’re about building relationships, understanding capabilities, and protecting your business interests.

Preparing for Your Factory Visit: Setting the Stage for Success

First things first, always make a factory visit plan. What’s the factory’s background? Have they worked with international clients before? Are their business licenses legitimate? These aren’t just checkboxes – they’re your first line of defense.

Key Preparation Questions:

• Can you verify their business license and operational history?
• What certifications do they currently hold?
• Who are their existing clients, and in what industries?

Over 30 Questions to Ask During Your Visit

These questions are inspired by our decade of hands-on sourcing experience, hard-learned lessons, costly mistakes, and successful partnerships across manufacturing hubs in China.

Manufacturing Capabilities

When you’re touring the facility, your curiosity is your most powerful tool. Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions that reveal the true nature of their operations. Some crucial inquiries include:

1. What is your current production capacity?
2. How do you manage quality control throughout the manufacturing process?
3. Can you walk me through your typical workflow from raw material to finished product?
4. For XX products, how long is the delivery time under normal circumstances? How many quantities can be produced in a month?
5. What is the defective rate of bulk goods? What are the main manifestations of the non-performing rate? What is the main reason? What are the judging criteria? What is the impact on the next process?
6. How does your company’s delivery time compare with your peers? If it is a special product, how long is the customization time?
7. What is your company’s product development model? What are its advantages and disadvantages?
8. How does your company guarantee the stability of products with longer warranty period? Is there any experiment or data to support it?

Materials Quality

Product specifications can make or break your sourcing strategy. Get technical and ask about:

1. What materials do you use for production?
2. Are the core components of XX products self-made or purchased? How to control their quality?
3. How long does it take to prepare core components? Are there alternative suppliers of core components?
4. What is the approximate amount of safety stock and turnover stock for core components?
5. How do you ensure consistency in manufacturing tolerances?
6. What are the limitations in customizing this product?
7. How to deal with unqualified raw materials?
8. For batch shipments, how does your company maintain the consistency of incoming materials?
9. Will you provide incoming inspection reports to customers?
10. For new suppliers, what kind of review process do they need to go through before they can become cooperative suppliers?

Common Quality Questions

1. Have there been any major quality problems with XX products? How was it resolved?
2. Are the production activities of your company mainly completed by masters or ordinary workers?
3. What is the frequency of inspection and maintenance of the mold?
4. How long does it generally take to develop a new mold?
5. How long is the life cycle of the mold?
6. How to ensure the consistency of design and production?
7. What is the process and frequency of bulk cargo line inspection? What are the inspection dimensions in general?
8. How to explain that the factory has sufficient capacity?

The Money Talk

Let’s be real – cost is always a critical factor. But cheap isn’t always good, and good isn’t always cheap. When discussing pricing, transparency is key. Ask questions like:

1. Can you provide a detailed breakdown of your pricing structure?
2. Are there volume discounts available?
3. What are the payment terms and potential additional fees?

Ethical Considerations: More Than Just Production

Ethical sourcing isn’t optional – it’s essential. Don’t shy away from asking about:

1. What are your labor practices?
2. How do you ensure environmental compliance?
3. What measures do you have in place to protect intellectual property?

What to Watch Out For

Some warning signs are subtle but significant. Be alert for:

• Hesitation or vagueness when answering direct questions
• Resistance to showing complete production areas
• Inconsistencies between what they claim and what you observe

Communication is Key

Your relationship with the factory goes beyond this single visit. Evaluate their communication capabilities:

• Who will be your primary point of contact?
• What are their preferred communication channels?
• How quickly do they typically respond to queries?

Building a Long-Term Partnership

Remember, a factory visit isn’t just a one-time inspection – it’s the foundation of a potential long-term business relationship. Your goal is to find a partner, not just a supplier.

Pro Tips from ASG Sourcing Experts:

• Be curious but respectful
• Bring a translator if language might be a barrier
• Take detailed notes and photos (with permission)
• Trust your instincts about the facility and its management

Your Sourcing Success Starts Here

Plan and really go to factory visits in China can feel like solving a complex puzzle. But with the right approach, questions, and mindset, you’ll transform what could be a daunting experience into a strategic advantage for your business.

Check our exclusive Factory Visit Checklist – your comprehensive guide to conducting thorough and effective factory visits in China. Contate-nos for the pdf version and level up your sourcing game!

Disclaimer: Every sourcing journey is unique. While these guidelines provide a robust framework, always adapt your approach to your specific industry and product requirements.