| 1 | Product construction | Confirm whether the film is cast or calendered, and document the stated film thickness, adhesive type, liner, finish, and intended application. | Current technical data sheet (TDS), product specification, and a sample from the quoted series. | Match construction to the vehicle surfaces, installation method, and expected service conditions; do not compare products by price alone. |
| 2 | Conformability | Check suitability for compound curves, recesses, edges, and other vehicle features relevant to the planned job. | Installer evaluation on representative panels, including formed areas; record application conditions and observations. | Approve samples on the intended substrate and geometry before placing a production order. |
| 3 | Adhesive and removability | Review initial tack, repositionability claims, application guidance, and removal instructions. Performance can vary with substrate, age, temperature, and installation. | Written adhesive information and controlled application and removal trials on representative painted panels. | Agree on the approved substrate and removal conditions; avoid treating a general claim as a guarantee for every vehicle finish. |
| 4 | Outdoor durability claims | Check the stated durability period and the conditions or exclusions attached to it, including climate, orientation, maintenance, and installation. | Product-specific warranty, test-method details where available, and written explanation of coverage and exclusions. | Compare warranties only when scope and conditions are comparable; obtain the applicable terms before purchase. |
| 5 | Color and finish consistency | Assess color, gloss, texture, and finish variation between samples and production rolls or batches. | Approved physical master sample, batch identification, and documented color or appearance inspection process. | Record the approved sample and batch details; order sufficient material from one production batch when visual consistency is critical. |
| 6 | Quality management | Verify how the supplier controls incoming materials, production checks, roll inspection, traceability, and nonconforming product. | Quality-management documentation, sample inspection records, lot coding, and corrective-action process. | Define inspection criteria and acceptable remedies in the purchase agreement before shipment. |
| 7 | Compliance and documentation | Identify the rules applicable to the destination market and the specific product use; confirm the scope and validity of any claimed certifications or test reports. | Product-specific declarations, test reports, safety information, and certificates that can be checked with the issuing body when relevant. | List required documents in the purchase order and verify they cover the exact product and destination requirements. |
| 8 | Capacity and lead time | Confirm the supplier's available production capacity, order cut-off dates, sample lead time, production lead time, and peak-season constraints. | Written production schedule, capacity confirmation for the requested quantity, and shipment milestones. | Build in time for sample approval, production, inspection, and transport; reconfirm the schedule before payment or booking freight. |
| 9 | Commercial terms and total cost | Compare minimum order quantity, pricing basis, payment terms, packing, Incoterms, freight assumptions, and charges for customization. | Itemized quotation with currency, validity period, order quantity, specifications, packing details, and named delivery point. | Compare landed cost on the same quantity and delivery basis, rather than comparing unit prices with different shipping terms. |
| 10 | Packaging and after-sales support | Check roll protection, labeling, storage guidance, complaint handling, technical support, and replacement or credit procedures. | Packing specification, storage instructions, response-time commitment, and written claims process. | Specify packaging and labeling requirements, document incoming damage promptly, and retain roll and batch identification for claims. |