| 1 | Material and Component Quality | Confirm the exact material, grade, finish, and construction of each component. For metal fittings, request details about the base material, coating process, corrosion resistance, and internal cartridge or valve components. | Review technical datasheets, material declarations, finish specifications, product drawings, and representative samples. Check whether materials comply with the requirements of the destination market. | What materials are used for the body, handles, valves, seals, and fixing parts? Which components are replaced if a sample fails testing? | 15% |
| 2 | Quality Control System | Look for documented incoming-material inspection, in-process checks, final inspection, traceability, nonconformance control, and corrective-action procedures. | Request a sample inspection plan, quality-control checklist, batch-record format, calibration records, and an independent audit report where available. | How are defects recorded and corrected? Can you provide inspection records for the same product series and production batch? | 15% |
| 3 | Product Testing and Compliance | Products should be tested for the relevant requirements of the destination country, such as leakage, pressure, flow performance, dimensional accuracy, surface durability, and material safety for water-contact parts. | Verify current test reports, declarations of conformity, laboratory accreditation details, test standards, product-model numbers, and report validity. Do not rely only on a logo or marketing statement. | Which standards apply to this product in my market? Were the reports issued for the exact model, finish, and configuration being quoted? | 15% |
| 4 | Design, Compatibility, and Installation | Select sets with complete dimensions, connection specifications, mounting requirements, installation instructions, spare-part references, and compatibility information for local plumbing systems. | Check dimensioned drawings, installation manuals, connection sizes, operating-pressure ranges, temperature limits, and included-accessory lists before approving the design. | Are adapters, hoses, brackets, cartridges, drains, and fixing kits included? Can replacement parts be installed without changing the whole set? | 8% |
| 5 | Warranty Coverage | A useful warranty should clearly state the coverage period, covered components, exclusions, proof-of-purchase requirements, remedy process, labor or replacement responsibilities, and the procedure for concealed defects. | Obtain the complete written warranty before placing an order. Compare coverage for finishes, cartridges, ceramic parts, seals, electrical parts, and structural components separately. | Does the warranty cover replacement parts and shipping? What happens if a defect is discovered after installation or during a project handover? | 12% |
| 6 | Production Capacity and Consistency | The manufacturer should demonstrate stable capacity for the required quantity, consistent color and finish matching, controlled change management, and the ability to repeat the same specification for future orders. | Request a production plan, capacity statement, sample-to-mass-production approval process, batch identification method, and records showing how design or material changes are communicated. | How are repeat orders matched to the approved sample? Will any component, finish, or supplier change require written approval? | 10% |
| 7 | Delivery and Logistics Service | Evaluate quoted production time, order-confirmation time, packaging standards, shipping terms, document accuracy, tracking capability, and procedures for shortages or transit damage. | Ask for a sample order schedule, packaging photographs or specifications, carton dimensions, pallet information, shipping documents, and a clearly defined delivery milestone plan. | When does the lead time start? How are partial shipments, delays, damaged cartons, and missing components handled? | 10% |
| 8 | Packaging and Damage Prevention | Packaging should protect polished surfaces, fragile ceramic or glass parts, threaded connections, and small installation components during handling and transport while keeping parts identifiable. | Inspect a packed sample. Check internal cushioning, moisture protection, carton strength, barcode or label information, spare-part bags, and packing-list accuracy. | What packaging tests or handling checks are performed? Are individual parts labeled so installers can identify them at the job site? | 5% |
| 9 | Customer Support and After-Sales Service | Prioritize suppliers that provide a named contact, technical documentation, installation assistance, spare-parts support, complaint tracking, and a defined response and resolution process. | Test the support process with technical questions before ordering. Review response quality, documentation accuracy, escalation contacts, spare-parts availability, and return procedures. | What is the process for troubleshooting, replacement, and service claims? How long are commonly replaced parts expected to remain available? | 7% |
| 10 | Commercial Transparency and Total Cost | Compare the complete landed cost rather than the unit price alone, including tooling, samples, testing, packaging, freight, duties, spare parts, warranty handling, and possible replacement costs. | Request a written quotation with model numbers, specifications, quantities, payment milestones, delivery terms, validity period, tooling ownership, and all exclusions. | Which costs are not included in the quoted price? Are specification changes, replacement parts, inspection, or special packaging charged separately? | 3% |