Worldwide Exporter Original Guide
Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Editorial Team · About 12 min read
B2B Supplier Due Diligence Checklist for International Buyers
Finding a supplier on a B2B marketplace is only the first step. Due diligence is the structured process of checking identity, capability, documents, quality and payment risk before you send deposits or place volume orders. This checklist is designed for international buyers sourcing from manufacturers, exporters and trading companies — including suppliers discovered on Worldwide Exporter.
1. Identity and contact verification
- Legal company name matches invoices, website and registration documents
- Registered address is consistent across profile, letterhead and maps
- Business email uses a company domain where possible (not only free webmail)
- Phone numbers and WhatsApp contacts are confirmed on a recorded call or video meeting
- Director / authorized signatory is named for contracts and bank beneficiary letters
2. Capability and capacity
- Product range matches your specification (not only catalog photos)
- Monthly capacity, lead time and peak-season constraints are stated in writing
- Own manufacturing vs trading company role is clear
- Key machinery, tooling ownership and subcontracting policy are disclosed
- Export experience to your region or similar regulations is evidenced
3. Document pack to request
- Company registration / GST / IEC references as applicable
- Product specification sheet, material grade and tolerance
- Quality certificates relevant to the product (ISO, test reports, FDA/CE where claimed)
- Sample commercial invoice and packing list format
- Bank beneficiary letter on company letterhead
Ask for documents as PDFs and verify critical claims through official channels or third-party inspection when order value justifies the cost.
4. Samples and pre-production controls
- Agree sample cost, courier responsibility and lead time.
- Record measured results against your specification.
- Approve artwork, labelling and packaging in writing.
- For customized goods, freeze a golden sample before bulk production.
- Define what happens if bulk production fails the approved sample.
5. Commercial and payment risk
- Compare quotes on the same Incoterm and named port/place
- Prefer staged payments tied to milestones for first orders
- Confirm bank account name equals legal company name
- Reject pressure to pay to personal accounts or unrelated third parties
- Use LC or escrow-style structures when ticket size and risk require it
6. Pre-shipment quality checks
Depending on risk, schedule factory audit, during-production inspection or final random inspection. Agree AQL levels, packaging standards and photo/video evidence requirements in the purchase order. Hold final balance payment until inspection release criteria are met, if that is part of your commercial agreement.
Quick risk scorecard
| Signal | Lower risk | Higher risk |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | Consistent company emails, clear specs | Only personal chat, vague answers |
| Pricing | Transparent cost breakdown | Far below market with urgency pressure |
| Payment | Company beneficiary, staged terms | Full advance to new personal account |
| Documents | Verifiable registrations and tests | Blurry scans, mismatched names |
Frequently asked questions
Is a verified badge enough to place a large order?
No. Treat verification as one signal, then complete transaction-specific checks.
When should I request a factory audit?
High-value, regulated, customized or recurring volume orders often justify independent inspection.
How do I report suspicious behaviour?
Use Report a Complaint on the official domain and stop further payments until identity is confirmed.
Next steps on Worldwide Exporter
Browse companies, compare products, use the RFQ template and read How to source products from India.