27 Questions Every Factory
Should Answer Before You Order
The questions I ask before recommending any factory in China or Vietnam — the ones that separate a real manufacturer from a risky one. Bring them to your next supplier call.
- Identify factories that can actually handle your order
- Spot red flags before you commit to a supplier
- Protect your IP, timeline, and quality standards
- Built from 15 years on factory floors in China & Vietnam
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Schedule a Discovery CallWhat's Inside the Checklist
Six categories covering every dimension of factory due diligence — so nothing falls through the cracks before you commit to a supplier.
Factory Basics
Verify legal registration, ownership structure, and whether you're dealing with a direct manufacturer or a trading company posing as one.
Production Capability
Assess machinery inventory, workforce size, annual capacity, and real category experience relevant to your specific product type.
Quality Systems
Check for ISO 9001, BSCI, WRAP, OEKO-TEX, or other certifications that signal a mature, auditable quality management system.
Sample History
Evaluate their track record with product categories, price tiers, and brand profiles similar to yours — not just what they claim.
Communication & Compliance
Gauge responsiveness, English proficiency, account management structure, and transparency on pricing and subcontracting practices.
Red Flag Indicators
8 specific warning signs that a factory is overcommitted, misrepresenting capability, or simply not the right partner for your brand.
A Preview of What You'll Get
Here are 8 of the 27 questions. The full guide is organized into six categories — Ownership & Structure, Production Capacity, Quality Control, Compliance & Certifications, Product Category Experience, and Communication & Project Management.
27 Questions Every Factory Should Answer
FactoryBridge · 27 Questions · PDF Format- 01Is the factory legally registered and licensed — and does the registered scope cover manufacturing, not just trading?
- 02Who is the actual owner — are you dealing with a direct manufacturer or a trading company?
- 03What is their annual production capacity for your specific product category?
- 04Can they provide references from brands in your category who have completed at least 3 orders?
- 05What quality certifications do they hold? (ISO 9001, BSCI, WRAP, OEKO-TEX, SA8000)
- 06Have they produced samples for brands at your target price point and quality tier?
- 07Who is the designated English-speaking account manager for your brand?
- 08What is their documented process for handling defects, rework requests, and quality disputes?
Get all 27 questions — organized, printable, and completely free.
Download the Full ChecklistReal Factory Floor Experience
This checklist wasn't written by a consultant who's never set foot in a factory. It was developed through years of in-person factory assessments, supplier audits, and production management work across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Southeast Asia.
Wesley Clayton created it after watching brands make expensive mistakes with suppliers they never properly vetted — and after building his own framework for doing it right, order after order.
Quick Answers
Need Help Vetting a Vietnam Factory?
The checklist gives you the framework. FactoryBridge gives you the expertise to use it well. schedule a discovery call to get expert support on your factory search, supplier audit, or sourcing strategy in Vietnam, China & Southeast Asia.
Schedule a Discovery Call Or reach out directly: consulting@factorybridge.co