Pre-payment supplier checklist (10 steps, + scam prevention)
Updated June 2026 · by OpenQuote, on the ground in Yiwu, China
Run these 10 steps before you pay and you block most import disasters — especially the costliest: the changed-bank-account scam. When no one is on the ground, having someone who does not profit from the goods look for you is the safest step.
US$29 · check the supplier for meThe 10-step checklist before you pay
- Verify the factory/seller is real: ask for the business license, a real address, a video of the workshop or booth — catalog-only sellers who will not show their face are usually traders.
- Factory or trader? Ask about customization, MOQ and price structure; every extra middleman adds a markup.
- Verify the real price: online is an asking price. Get the real deal price and tiered pricing on the ground.
- Get a sample first: always sample before bulk; the sample is your acceptance standard — photograph it.
- Nail the terms: unit price, MOQ, lead time, packaging, acceptance standard, penalties — in writing.
- Payment method & timing: deposit + balance; for large orders pay the balance after inspection. In Yiwu, paying the boss's personal account or a payment service is common and normal.
- ⚠ Prevent the changed-account scam: a receiving account that suddenly changes is the most common and costliest trap (often a hacked email). Re-confirm any account change through a second channel (call/video).
- Inspect the bulk goods: QC against the sample — quantity, workmanship, packaging, labels — with on-site photos/video.
- Logistics & forwarder: confirm Incoterms (EXW/FOB/CIF), booking, LCL or FCL; pay the forwarder directly, not an unknown middleman.
- Customs paperwork: invoice, packing list, bill of lading; budget your destination-country duty in advance.
The trap that costs the most
The changed-account scam accounts for the biggest losses. One rule: if the account changes, hang up and re-verify through another channel. Having someone glance on site before payment blocks most fake factories and bait-and-switch.
What if no one is on the ground?
Most of the above needs someone in Yiwu. OpenQuote is there: US$29 verifies the real price + checks the supplier is genuine, with on-site photos; for full inspection / consolidation / logistics / customs, a transparent 5% service fee (you pay the supplier directly).
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell if it is a real factory?+
Ask for the business license, a real address, and a video of the workshop/booth. Catalog-only sellers who will not show their face are usually traders. The surest check is someone on site.
How do I prevent the changed-account scam?+
Re-confirm any account change through a second channel (call/video); for large orders pay the balance after inspection. It is the costliest scam type.
Is paying the boss's personal account normal?+
In Yiwu, yes: trading companies often pay to the boss's personal account or a payment service. The red flag is a payee that does not match the shop/company you deal with — not a personal account itself.