Most first-time founders meet three or four suppliers who all claim to be factories. A short call with the right questions will tell you which ones actually are.
1. Can I see the filling line?
Ask for a live video call from the production floor, not a photo gallery. A factory will happily show you a line running.
2. Who formulates?
If the answer is a third party, your formula is not yours and revisions will be slow.
3. Which certificates are in your name?
GMP and ISO 22716 should be issued to the facility you are buying from, not to a sister company.
4. What is the MOQ per component?
See our separate note on MOQ — a supplier who can break it down is a supplier who knows their line.
5. What happens when a batch fails QC?
There should be a written rework or replacement policy before you pay a deposit.
6. Who owns the formula?
For custom development, ownership and exclusivity should be in writing. We grant exclusivity on custom formulas by default.
7. What documents come with the shipment?
COA, MSDS, GMP certificate, stability report and packing list. If any of these are missing, your importer will be the one explaining it to customs.