| 1 | Business identity and factory location | Confirm the legal business name, registered address, operating address, and whether the supplier is a manufacturer, trading company, or both. | Request current registration details and a live video walkthrough. Match the production address on quotations and contracts with the facility being assessed. |
| 2 | Relevant product experience | Check experience with display formats suited to the buyer’s tiles, such as sample boards, pull-out drawers, rotating stands, or floor-standing panels. | Request dated product photographs, drawings, and references for comparable rack types. Confirm that the examples are relevant to the required tile size, weight, and presentation method. |
| 3 | Engineering and customization | Assess the ability to work from dimensions, material specifications, branding files, and store-layout requirements. | Ask for a dimensioned drawing and bill of materials before production. Agree in writing on tolerances, finish, colors, accessories, and approval steps. |
| 4 | Load capacity and stability | Verify that the proposed rack is designed for the intended tile samples and normal handling. There is no single load rating suitable for every rack design. | Set the required load per shelf or panel in the specification. Request a test method and results for the agreed design, and review stability with the rack loaded as it will be used. |
| 5 | Materials and surface finish | Confirm the specified steel, aluminum, wood, plastic, or combination of materials, along with the coating or finish required for the sales environment. | Request material and finish details, a production sample, and the agreed inspection criteria. Specify appearance, corrosion-resistance expectations, and any measurable coating requirements in the contract. |
| 6 | Quality management and inspection | Determine whether incoming materials, in-process work, and finished racks are checked against documented requirements. | Request the inspection plan and a sample inspection report. If a quality certificate is presented, verify its scope, validity, and issuing certification body independently. |
| 7 | Prototype and sample approval | Check whether the supplier can produce a prototype or pre-production sample before committing to a full order. | Approve a signed sample or controlled drawing covering dimensions, finish, function, and packaging. State that mass production must match the approved reference. |
| 8 | Packaging and transport protection | Review how the rack will be protected from scratches, impact, moisture, and movement during the selected transport mode. | Request packaging photographs or a packing specification. Confirm carton or crate dimensions, protective materials, labeling, and whether the shipment can be safely handled and stacked as planned. |
| 9 | Export and order documentation | Confirm the supplier can provide the documents required for the transaction and destination, such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and shipping details. | Agree on the named contracting party, payment milestones, delivery term, production lead time, and document responsibilities before placing the order. Check destination-specific requirements with the relevant customs or logistics provider. |
| 10 | Communication and after-sales support | Assess how clearly the supplier handles technical questions, drawing revisions, production updates, spare parts, and claims. | Use a written issue log and confirm response contacts, warranty terms, replacement-part availability, and the process for reporting defects before the purchase order is finalized. |