What to verify before the first PO
You can audit a China CNC supplier in under an hour if you know what to ask for. Run these twelve checks; reject any supplier that can't produce documentation on demand.
1. ISO 9001 + ISO 14001 certificates (live)
Ask for the original cert PDF + the issuing body's registry URL. Verify directly on the registry — fake certs are common. Check the validity window matches today's date.
2. Sample CMM dimensional report (sanitized)
Real shops produce these on every order. Format should include: nominal, +tol/-tol, measured, instrument used, inspector ID, temp at measurement. If they hesitate to share a sanitized sample, they probably don't generate them routinely.
3. Sample material certificate (EN 10204 3.1)
Mill cert traceable to a heat lot number. Required on aerospace + medical. If they only have 2.1 (mill stamp), grade is unverified.
4. Machine list with brand/model
Generic "200 CNC machines" is not a list. Ask for: process category, count, brand, working envelope. Cross-reference brand reputation (Haas, DMG MORI, Mazak signal investment; unbranded "China VMC" doesn't).
5. NDA willingness pre-quote
Will they sign a mutual NDA before reviewing your CAD? Serious shops say yes routinely. Pushback means your IP isn't safe.
6. Lead time honesty
If they quote 5 days for a part that's realistically 14, walk. Honest shops give you a range with reasoning. "We can do anything fast" is a warning sign.
7. English communication test
Email them a technical question (e.g. "Can you hold ±0.005mm on 6061 in a 50×50×20mm part?"). Response should be specific and technically accurate. Generic "yes we can do everything" is a red flag.
8. Existing client references
Ask for 2–3 client logos you can verify externally. Cross-check on LinkedIn that the supplier actually serves that client's industry.
9. Sample part inspection
Request a sample part you can measure yourself. Pay for it; serious shops appreciate the test. Check it on your CMM against the print.
10. Capacity vs your volume
If you need 10,000 pieces/quarter and they're a 5-machine shop, they'll subcontract. Ask directly: "what gets outsourced, and to where?"
11. Quality system documentation
Ask to see their FAI (first article inspection) process. AS9102 format on aerospace work. PPAP for automotive. Generic "we inspect everything" is not a system.
12. Payment terms negotiability
First-time customers: 100% prepay is fair. Established: 30% deposit / 70% before shipment is industry standard. Anyone demanding 100% prepay on order #5 is a cash-flow red flag.
Ginwate publishes our capability sheet, sample QC reports, and downloadable ISO certificates so you can run this audit without writing an email.
