How to Verify a Chinese Supplier Is a Real Factory
May 10, 2026 - 5 min read
The problem: You found a supplier on Alibaba. They say they are a factory. But you cannot tell if they actually manufacture or just resell. Here is how to find out - based on 30+ years in Guangdong.
1. Check Their Product Range
Real factories make one category well. If a factory sells phone cases, kitchen gadgets, AND pet toys - they are a trading company. Factories invest in specific equipment. Trading companies sell whatever makes money.
2. Ask for Their Chinese Business Name
Every legitimate Chinese company has a registered Chinese name. Check it on Tianyancha or Qichacha. Real factories typically have registered capital of 5M+ yuan and business scope that says manufacturing, not wholesale or trading.
3. Request a Live Video Walk-Through
Not a recorded tour - a real-time video call where you ask them to show specific machines. Trading companies refuse or make excuses.
4. Check the Product Photos
Same photos across 10+ listings? They all come from the same source. Use reverse image search.
5. Ask About MOQ and Lead Time
Real factories have realistic MOQs. If a factory accepts MOQ of 50 for a custom product, they are likely not the manufacturer.
6. Hire an Independent Inspector
For orders over 5000 USD, hire SGS, Bureau Veritas, or QIMA to do a factory audit. They verify equipment, worker count, and whether the factory actually exists.
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