Factory Audit in China (Before You Pay a Deposit)
Many “factories” on Alibaba are trading companies or small offices. A factory audit confirms the supplier really makes your machine — at the address on its business license — before your deposit is at risk.
What we check
- Factory address vs. business license registered address
- Manufacturer or trading company?
- Production equipment, workshop size and staff on site
- Evidence that your product type is actually built there
- Quality control process and test equipment
- Export experience, references and certifications shown
How it works
- 1
Request a quote
Send the supplier name, city, product and order value using the form below.
- 2
Fixed quote and scope
We reply with the recommended audit type (desk, video or on-site), a fixed price and a timeline.
- 3
Audit
Document checks plus a live video or on-site visit, with photos and evidence collected.
- 4
Audit report
Findings, risk signals, evidence gaps and a clear recommendation before you pay.
Pricing: request a fixed quote
Price depends on audit type, factory location and urgency, so we quote each factory individually — no obligation.
See typical market ranges with the free factory audit cost estimator, or start with the USD 99 supplier background check.
Sample report
See exactly what a delivered report looks like — risk signals, evidence gaps, questions to ask and payment recommendations — in our sample supplier risk report.
Frequently asked questions
What does a factory audit confirm?
That the supplier operates the factory it claims: the address matches the business license, production equipment and staff exist, the product you are buying is actually made there, and the company is a manufacturer rather than a trading company.
How much does a factory audit cost?
We give a fixed quote per factory based on audit type, location and urgency. For orientation, our free factory audit cost estimator shows typical market price ranges published by third-party providers. Request a quote with the supplier name and city.
Video audit or on-site audit?
A live video audit is a cost-effective first step for smaller orders. For large deposits or a complete production line, an on-site audit gives stronger evidence because a video can be staged in someone else’s factory.
When should I audit the factory?
Before you pay the deposit. If the supplier refuses any independent audit, treat it as a serious red flag.
Do you audit trading companies?
Yes. If the supplier is a trading company, we focus on identifying and checking the actual manufacturing factory behind it.
Related guides and tools
Request a factory audit quote
Send the supplier name, city, product and order value. We reply by email, usually within one business day.
Other verification services
Our reports are preliminary risk assessments based on evidence available at the time. They are not legal advice and do not guarantee supplier performance. See our disclaimer.