| Binder Type and Application Fit | Confirm whether the binder is designed for water-based textile printing, pigment printing, discharge systems, paper, plastic film, or other substrates. | The product specification should clearly identify the intended substrate, curing method, printing process, and compatible additives. | Technical Data Sheet, application guide, substrate compatibility statement, and laboratory sample results. | 15% | Reject products that are not validated for the buyer’s actual fabric or substrate. |
| Technical Specification | Review solids content, viscosity, pH, appearance, ionic character, storage temperature, and recommended dosage. | Every production lot should be supplied against a defined specification range rather than an incomplete or generic description. | Current TDS, Certificate of Analysis template, batch specification, and test methods. | 12% | Compare like-for-like data; different test methods can produce different results. |
| Print Performance | Assess viscosity control, mesh release, leveling, color yield, hand feel, opacity, migration resistance, and print-definition retention. | Performance should remain consistent after the buyer’s specified curing cycle and washing or rubbing tests. | Wet and cured print samples, wash-fastness results, crocking results, curing recommendations, and trial report. | 15% | Run a controlled side-by-side trial using the same ink formulation and process settings. |
| Quality Management | Check whether raw materials, in-process batches, finished goods, and retained samples are controlled systematically. | A documented quality system, batch traceability, deviation handling, and complaint-response process should be available. | Quality manual summary, batch numbering procedure, inspection records, audit report, and corrective-action example. | 13% | Prefer suppliers that can trace a shipment back to raw materials and production records. |
| Regulatory and Restricted-Substance Compliance | Identify destination-market requirements for restricted chemicals, labeling, safety data, and textile or consumer-product standards. | Documents should match the exact product grade and current destination-market requirements; generic declarations are insufficient. | SDS, regulatory declaration, restricted-substance test report, composition statement where legally available, and label artwork. | 15% | Use an independent laboratory when the product will enter a regulated consumer-goods supply chain. |
| Sample and Trial Support | Evaluate sample quantity, sample labeling, technical guidance, formulation support, and response time during testing. | Samples should be identified by product code, batch number, production date, and storage guidance. | Sample label, trial formulation, recommended process parameters, and written technical feedback. | 8% | Do not approve a supplier based only on a small sample without production-scale validation. |
| Minimum Order Quantity and Packaging | Confirm minimum order quantity, standard pack sizes, private-label options, pallet configuration, and container compatibility. | The commercial offer should state quantity breaks, packaging material, net weight, gross weight, and shelf-life conditions. | Formal quotation, packing list sample, packaging specification, and shelf-life statement. | 7% | Calculate landed cost using the actual order quantity, packaging, and destination requirements. |
| Lead Time and Supply Continuity | Review sample lead time, production lead time, capacity planning, holiday schedules, and contingency arrangements. | Lead time should be stated in writing for samples, first orders, repeat orders, and custom packaging separately. | Production schedule, capacity statement, agreed lead-time clause, and business-continuity information. | 7% | Maintain an approved second source for critical production materials. |
| Export Documentation and Logistics | Check HS-code support, invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, SDS availability, dangerous-goods status, and Incoterms. | Documents should be consistent with the shipped product, packaging, quantity, and importing-country requirements. | Document checklist, draft shipping documents, Incoterms quotation, and transport classification statement. | 5% | Confirm import rules with the buyer’s customs broker before placing the order. |
| Commercial Terms and Payment Security | Compare price basis, payment terms, currency, validity period, sample charges, claim procedure, and warranty scope. | All commercial conditions should be included in a formal quotation or sales contract and linked to the approved specification. | Signed quotation, proforma invoice, payment instructions, quality-claim policy, and contract terms. | 3% | Choose the lowest total-risk option, not simply the lowest unit price. |
