73 questions to ask your future furniture supplier!

May. 13, 2024

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73 questions to ask your future furniture supplier!

73 questions to ask your furniture supplier

When buying furniture of your furniture supplier in China its nowhere near as simple as you may think. This is why we have compiled this list of 73 questions you ask your furniture supplier before and after buying your furniture.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website.

General questions to ask your furniture supplier in the initial stage

In general, there are some simple questions to ask your furniture supplier such as the ones below to get a general feel of how things are and if working with them is a good idea or not.

1.Where is your factory?

2.When are you suitable for a factory audit?

3.Before the final payment, we will have a third party agency inspecting before paying if that is okay?

4.Do you participate in any trade shows? (if yes a quick google search will show their name)

5.Have you ever participated in any trade shows before if so when? (same as above)

6.Can you make a sample? (this question has multiple parts to it)

7.Can I pay to your company’s bank account? (You can check the company bank information matches)

8.Can I have your address to pick up the sample? (You are double-checking the address is the same, if not red flags are flying)

9.How many employees does the factory have? (This question is important! You can tell a lot about their scaleability, from this. For example, does their catalog have 100s of different types of products but they only have a few hundred staff? Make sure the numbers add up)

10.Do you have an export license? (All of these facts can be checked up on their Alibaba/global sources account)

11.Do you have any customer references from my country? (here you are checking if they are making stuff up or are the real deal, sadly a lot of companies will make up reviews).

12.I want to export to X country what regulations are you able to provide? (You are checking they know your local market regulations instead of just saying yes yes yes)

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Additional check-ups you can do yourself

So in addition to the 12 questions above, there are also certain extra things you can do to make sure the furniture from your furniture supplier you are getting is top quality.

Open up google and do a simple search “(company name) scam”
Check all their online directories such as Alibaba, global sources, made in China, Global market and so on and do a site by site comparison. Do they all check out? Are they all the same? Pay special attention to phone numbers and addresses. If they are different it is again a red flag.
A bit harder to do but if you have someone who speaks Chinese go and check the Chinese supreme Court’s database. It’ll show any company which has been sentenced to a previous fine and haven’t paid damages yet.
Get a Chinese lawyer to check out the registration of the company. This is a pretty rapidly growing market with more and more lawyers helping importers to do it.
Check their references. A lot of Chinese companies make up their references, do a bit of research on what they say and it’ll tell a lot about their company.

If you manage to do these check-ups on all of your furniture suppliers you’ll be onto the right path of knowing who exactly you are working with.

General questions part 2

Now we understand certain parts of these questions you may not feel comfortable asking, however, this guide is to give you a complete list of potential questions to ask to minimize your risk.

So on we go with some more questions to ask your potential furniture supplier.

Can you tell me a bit of the background on the owner? (normally well-established companies know quite a lot about the big boss and feel quite a bit of pride telling you about them)

14.How many employees in total? (before it was the factory but knowing the total amount will give a good idea of how many sales, support staff, etc)

15.Please, could you tell me what is your total domestic market sales?

16.What is your total export sales? (This will give you a good idea of their real capabilities, in larger companies sometimes the domestic market can be larger than the export market)

17.What furniture product do you mainly sell to the X market?

18.Which furniture product do you recommend for the X market?

19.Which product do you sell best globally?

20.What is the main furniture manufacturing process for the X product?

21.Are there any parts that are subcontracted out? If so which parts?

22.Are there parts of the product which are half-made here?

23.What is made entirely in the house?

24.Do you accept signing legally binding contracts? (best to get Chinese lawyers involved at this point)

25.Are there any products that you have exclusive agreements within the X geographical area?

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Additional thoughts

We have already got to the 25 question stage so naturally, we want to give you some extra things to think about before choosing your furniture supplier.

In their factory its best to take note of what their main product is. For example, if you are looking to buy coffee tables but the majority of their staff/machinery is based on making sofas then its expertise is sofas, not coffee tables.

So you’ve noticed a fantastic piece of furniture in their showroom and want it. Who designed it? Make sure they have the rights to it before buying to save yourself a law case back home.

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Alibaba specific questions

So we are guessing if you are talking to someone on Alibaba via email so here’s our own Alibaba email template take on the initial message. (if you google Alibaba email template you’ll find plenty of similar samples)

Subject: Would like some more information about (product name)

Dear (name),

My name is (your name), I am representing (company name) we are interesting in receiving more information about (product code and name),

Please could you send a quotation including:

MOQ (minimum order quantity)
Images of the product (In addition ask for a specific close up of part the furniture, to ensure they have original images)
FOB/EXW Price for X amount (most quotations are automatically FOB aka to the nearest port but if you want to collect it directly from the factory specifically mention EXW price)

FOB/EXW Price for MOQ (to show you how much they are willing to budge on prices)
Price for a sample (can ask for shipping to be included or not)
Payment terms
Payment options accepted
Production lead time

Thank you

Yours sincerely

(your name, company name)

Feel free to copy and paste this email template.

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Furniture specific questions

Next up we have another 25+ question which is more specific to furniture and will help you choose the best supplier for your needs.

33.What is the MOQ to work with your company?

34.How many different types of furniture can I purchase from you to put into a single container?

35.What is EXW furniture price?

36.Do you also help with shipping?

37.What price is the FOB price?

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38.What is this furniture weight per piece?

39.How will you package the furniture? What care instructions do I need to pay attention to for this furniture?

40.What certifications does it have?

41.Do you have any other company brand names (many furniture businesses have multiple brands under different company names)

42.When was your company established? (The older they are the more established but it also means more fixed rules)

43.Do you have an Alibaba or company website? (their company website on average doesn’t give a lot of information but is helpful to learn a little bit more about them)

44.What are your main products? (If there are too many types of furniture its a red flag they are a trading company pretending to be a furniture factory)

45.Can I see some pictures of your company such as your employees, finished products, office, and factory? (take them and do a google reverse image search to check they aren’t stock images/from another factory)

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15 more Furniture sourcing questions

Hopefully, you can already see there are a lot of questions that need to be answered when buying furniture from China. If you would like some help why not let Simonsense do the hard work for you?

What is your lead time? (How long before it’s done)
Do you accept customized orders? (check out our other article of OEM manufacturers to learn more)
What materials will be used to make this furniture?
Are you able to break down those materials on where they’ll be used?
What is this furniture measurements in ft./in./cm/mm?
What is the Cubic meter measurement?
Where is your factory? (Get the full address for factory inspects and audits)

53.How many people work here? (Will give you a scale of their capabilities)

54.Have you ever sold to (your) country? If so to who?

55.What certifications does your company have?

56.To what standard quality are you able to make the furniture too?

57.What payment schemes do you accept?

58.Can I get an invoice for my furniture purchase?

59.Do you issue receipts?

60.If the furniture is not up to standard will you issue a refund?

61.Does the price include taxes?

Okay, so far we have covered over 50 different questions to ask, but what about the shipping part? (This is the final bunch of questions doesn’t worry, we promise)

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Shipping furniture questions!

So the questions above are more to do with buying furniture from your furniture supplier, as well some more general questions to ask, the final 11 questions are to help you ensure you get the products back home!

First off let’s start with 6 generic questions to ask about shipping furniture

62.How long will it take you to package the furniture?

63.What is the timeframe it will take you to ship the furniture?

64.What materials will you be using to package the furniture?

65.From what port will you be shipping the furniture from?

66.What type of container will you be using?

67.What guarantees can you give on the safety of the furniture?

68.Before shipping can I inspect the furniture to ensure it is the quality I paid for?

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Final 8 specific shipping questions

Shipping furniture by itself is a headache and there are some questions which you need to confirm directly with the shipping company you choose.

Are you fully licensed, insured and bonded? If they cannot prove this DO NOT WORK WITH THEM
How long is the quoted rate valid for? Shipping costs change day by day, most shipping companies will give you a 30-day quote. If you need to ship on the 31st day that price may change. So always be mindful of how long that price is valid for.
Are there any extra costs? Sometimes the price is bundled up together, sometimes it is broken down into multiple parts. Either way, there might be some hidden fees they haven’t specifically told you. Check before to make sure you know.
How to pay? (What type of payment do you accept) Generally, a bank transfer is the most accepted version for Chinese shipping companies but it is always best to check.
Are these goods accepted into X country? This should have already been checked by the factory and you but it won’t hurt to have one final check before sending them off right?

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Conclusion

Hopefully, after you have read all of those questions you’ll be inspired to do more research and hopefully will have a lower chance of being buying from the wrong furniture supplier. To sum up, remember to do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask some more difficult questions.

What do you think of our comments? Do you think we have missed any questions? If so leave them in the comments below and we will add them to the list.

About Simonsense

Simonsense is a furniture supply chain management company that specializes in furniture. Simonsen’s has had over 10 years of experience in the furniture industry and supply chain market to help their customers find the best possible deal in terms of price and quality. Contact Simonsense today for a free one-hour consultation and see how we can help your business today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ET&T Distributors Frequently Asked Questions

What do you need to start my quote?

While we still contact you after your request to verify all the information you provide, it still helps us to know how many of the items you are looking for, the name of your property (or your name if it’s a residential address), and we’ll need at minimum to know the city, state, and zip in order for us to give you freight in the estimate. If applicable, we will need to know the billing address as well.

How does the quote process work?

After you find a product that you would like a quote on, you can either fill out the request for a quote form, or you can call us at 888-642-2226. After we receive your request, your sales representative will ask for quantities, colors, as well as a shipping address so that they can assemble a quote that will include the cost of your items, the cost of shipping, as well as any applicable fees or taxes that the products may have. After we have the information together, we will email or fax you your estimate.

My quote says under shipping that it is “Standard Delivery Only”, what does this mean?

This means that your quote only includes the charge of the driver bringing your item to your property, the driver will place the furniture at the edge of the trailer and that is it, you will need to arrange to have staff on site to help remove the items from the truck. The driver DOES NOT move your furniture into place or help with unboxing and setup of your furniture. You do have the option of Lift Gate Service and Call Before Delivery Service. These services do cost extra. With Lift Gate Service, the driver will use the truck’s Lift Gate and lower your items to the ground from the back of the truck. If you choose to purchase Call Before Delivery Service, the shipping company will call when your items arrive at your local distribution center and will set up an appointment to have your furniture delivered to you at your convenience. While it is optional, we do strongly recommend this service so that you can schedule staff to be available to assist in the delivery. Items such as benches and picnic tables will automatically have the Lift Gate Service and Call Before Delivery added to your estimate, it is required due to the size and weight of these items. These fees are not charged by ET&T Distributors, the fees are charged by the shipping companies. If you decline these services and only want the standard delivery, sign off on the line in the shipping portion of your estimate. By declining, the customer does incur all responsibility of the items being unloaded and any additional fees that may be charged for use of lift gate that was not quoted.

I am a commercial property, why does my estimate have a residential delivery fee?

Some commercial properties are still classified as residential locations due to their being located within a residential area. This fee applies any time the driver has to move his truck through a residential area. This is not charged by ET&T Distributors, this is a fee charged by the freight carriers.

How will my items ship?

A majority of our items will ship via freight carriers directly from the manufacturer. Smaller items such as parts, replacement slings, and umbrellas will be shipped via UPS or Fed-ex from the manufacturer.

How long will it take for me to get my items?

Each manufacturer is different with their lead times. Once you sign the estimate and send it over to us, we begin to process your order. Normally once the order is processed, it will take 24-48 hours once payment is received and the order placed for us to get an estimated ship date. Upon us getting the estimated ship date, we email this information to you. Once the order is shipped, we will track the order and provide updates to you. Please bear in mind that the date is only an estimate, the shipping time will vary.

What do I do if my items are damaged during shipping?

When your items arrive, you should open and inspect them BEFORE signing the receipt. If you are unable to inspect them when they arrive, write “Subject to Inspection” on the receipt and sign it. You have 48 hours to inspect your items and report any damages, after that period, the manufacturer has a right to cancel your warranty and deny your claim. If you inspect the items before signing for the delivery and you find a damaged item, DO NOT ACCEPT THE ITEM. You don’t have to refuse the entire shipment, only the damaged item or items. If you do this, write on the drivers delivery receipt: “Customer has refused items due to damages.” Sign the receipt and date it. ONCE AGAIN DO NOT ACCEPT THE DAMAGED ITEM OR ITEMS. Take pictures of the damage and send this to maryann@ettflorida.com and we will begin the damage claim process.

My items are damaged and I want to make a warranty claim, what do I do?

What we will need from you is to take pictures of the damaged item including close ups of the damage that occurred. We will also need to know how the damage occurred for us to be able to find the best course of action. Send this information to maryann@ettflorida.com to begin the claims process.

Can you ship outside of the Continental U.S.?

We are able to sell to customers outside of the lower 48 states, however to ship to Alaska, Hawaii, The Caribbean, or anywhere else outside of the continental United States, you will need to arrange for a freight forwarder to handle the final leg of shipping to your property.

Is your furniture commercial grade?

Yes all of our furniture is commercial grade and designed for a high stress environment.

Does your furniture have any warranties?

Yes our furniture is covered under manufacturer’s warranties with a few exceptions. Custom Slings, Crank Umbrellas, swivels, and rocker furniture are not covered under warranty.

What is your furniture made of?

Our furniture is made from either commercial grade resin or extruded aluminum. Slings are made from textilene or sunbrella fabric, both of which are sturdy fabrics and capable of lasting under a lot of use and sitting in the sun all day. Commercial grade resin isn’t like the plastic chairs you get from other stores, it’s a heavy duty material that is much sturdier and won’t fade, chip, or rust when out on your pool deck or patio. Our aluminum frames are powder coated which provides a protective coating that won’t chip, rust, or peel from the frame. We also carry a variety of furniture made from recycled plastic such as benches, Adirondack chairs, and picnic tables.

How do I clean my furniture?

The method of cleaning your furniture will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and your rep can send instructions upon request. Here are instructions from some of our major brands:

Resin Furniture: Resin furniture only requires mild soap and water cleaning. DO NOT USE ANY HARSH CHEMICALS OR SOLVANTS. For most fabric stains, spot clean with soap and lukewarm water, rinse thouroughly, and let dry.
Aluminum Strap: For frames and vinyl, clean with a mild dish soap and water, rinse, and let dry. To help prevent staining and discoloration from body oils and sun lotion, give the vinyl straps a coat of turtle wax once a month. Avoid using abraisive chemicals or brushes.
Aluminum Sling: Since sling materials vary from pattern to pattern, please ask your rep for more information. Typically you can spot clean with a mild soap and water solution. Rinse clean and allow to air-dry completely. For stubborn stains, use a fabric spot cleaner and scrub with a soft sponge. Rinse with clean water and allow to air-dry thoroughly.
Cushions: Do NOT remove the cover from a cushion under any circumstance, it will loose its shape. Stains on a cushion should be wiped off with a damp sponge immediately to prevent discoloration, however, should staining occur, follow the same instructions for slings. Some cushion fabrics may require additional steps, so refer to your representative for more information.
Umbrellas: Brush off any loose dirt, make a solution of ¼ Cup of mild dish soap per gallon of water and gently work in with a sponge or soft bristle brush, make sure fabric absorbs soapy water. Rinse thoroughly until soap is removed and allow to air dry. If you purchase an umbrella with a tilt mechanism and it locks up, spraying the mechanism and the button on the mechanism with Silicon Spray and wiggling them back and forth will loosen it up.
Wicker: Wicker can be cleaned with mild dish soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air-dry. DO NOT USE ABRAISIVE CHEMICALS OR BRUSHES.
Thermoplastic Picnic Tables and Benches: Thermoplastic can be cleaned with a pressure washer and a low power nozzle. For graffiti, saturate the stain in WD-40 and wipe clean with a soft rag or sponge. Scratches in the thermoplastic can typically be repaired by using a heat gun. For bad gouges, patch kits can be purchased.

Do you sell more than pool furniture?

Yes, we carry a wide variety of indoor furniture, commercial umbrellas, shade structures, site amenities, hammocks, even playground structures and dog parks!

Do you have a showroom that we can see?

Unfortunately we do not at this time have a showroom, but we do have a catalog that outlines all our major brands and would be happy to send you one via email or mail you a physical copy. Call us today and we will arrange for you to receive our catalog.

What if my frames are still good but I need new straps or slings, do you sell those?

We do offer restrapping service but at this time we can only offer this service for the Central Florida area. We do offer replacement slings for Grosfillex and Windward sling furniture, however we can only sell these if you have bought the furniture from us. Restrapping and replacement slings are non-returnable, non-refundable, and not covered under warranty. Lead times vary and can be affected by your choice of color, if the fabric is back-ordered, and if it is currently the busy season. Ordering new slings can take up to 4 weeks or more.

Do you sell to the public?

Yes we do sell to residential customers though there may be additional fees that apply. Ask your representative for more information as the fees vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Is there a minimum quantity that I have to order?

No, we have no minimum order requirements though some manufacturers do charge a minimum order fee. Ask your representative for more information about these fees.

Why is there no pricing on your website or in your Catalog?

Since we are a distributor, we deal directly with the manufacturers. Because of this, pricing is determined by a variety of factors such as: Quantities ordered, whether or not the item is a stock or custom item, if you are getting items that have an upcharge, and how far they need to ship

Are you interested in learning more about Commercial Outdoor Furniture Wholesale? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

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