SHOULEI / FACTORY AUDIT IN CHINA
Know the factory behind the offer
Before placing an order, understand the supplier's actual business, production facilities and operational capabilities. Shoulei arranges on-site factory audits in China and provides clear, documented findings to support your decision.
A supplier's offer tells only part of the story
A professional-looking website, attractive prices and detailed product catalogs do not necessarily reveal how a company operates in reality. An on-site audit helps you understand the business behind the offer, see its facilities and identify potential issues before making a commercial commitment.
Confirm the actual business
Understand whether the supplier operates its own production facilities, works through subcontractors or acts primarily as a trading company.
Assess production capabilities
Review available equipment, production areas, workforce and manufacturing processes relevant to your product.
Review quality management
Understand how incoming materials, production processes, finished products and non-conforming items are managed.
Identify potential risks
Document visible discrepancies, operational limitations and issues that may require clarification before cooperation.
What does a factory audit cover?
The audit scope is adapted to your product, supplier and business requirements. Depending on the agreed assignment, our representative may review the following areas.
Company & business profile
Company identity and business information available on site, main business activities, manufacturer or trading company model, and consistency with supplier claims.
Production facilities
Factory premises and production areas, machinery and equipment relevant to the product, production capacity indicators and visible use of subcontractors.
Production processes
Main manufacturing stages, workflow organization, material handling and storage, and production planning practices.
Quality management
Incoming material checks, in-process quality control, final inspection procedures, and handling of defective or non-conforming products.
Warehouse & logistics
Raw material and finished goods storage, warehouse organization, packaging and dispatch preparation.
Documentation & certificates
Relevant business and production documents made available by the supplier, certificates and validity details, and product-related documentation.
Choose the level of verification you need
Audits can be adapted to the buyer's requirements — from a basic site check to detailed manufacturing analysis.
Business & facility check
For buyers who need an initial understanding of a potential supplier's existence and operations.
- Review of company business profile.
- On-site visit to agreed location.
- General review of facilities.
- Photo documentation.
- Summary of key observations.
Production & quality audit
For buyers who need a deeper understanding of manufacturing operations and quality control.
- All Basic-level activities.
- Online supplier check using public sources.
- Review of legal dispute history.
- Review of company registration documents.
- Detailed review of equipment.
- Review of manufacturing workflow.
- Review of quality practices.
- Warehouse & storage review.
- Structured report with photos.
Customized factory audit
For complex sourcing projects or buyers with specific compliance and operational requirements.
- Audit checklist based on your requirements.
- Expanded review of selected areas.
- Additional document review.
- Detailed risk observations.
- Customized reporting format.
The final scope, schedule and deliverables are confirmed before the audit based on the factory, location and buyer's requirements.
A clear picture, not just a factory visit
After the audit you receive a detailed document reflecting the actual state of affairs at the facility.
- Structured audit report;
- Photographs of relevant facilities and processes;
- Summary of the supplier's stated business activities;
- Observations about production capabilities;
- Review of quality management practices within the agreed scope;
- Identified discrepancies and potential concerns;
- Points requiring further clarification.
Our reports distinguish between observed facts, information provided by the supplier and matters that could not be independently confirmed.
From audit request to documented findings
- 01
Tell us about the supplier
Share the factory name, location, website and the product you are interested in.
- 02
Define the audit scope
We discuss your priorities and prepare an appropriate checklist.
- 03
Coordinate the factory visit
We contact the supplier and arrange access to the agreed facilities.
- 04
Conduct the audit
Our representative visits the site, reviews the agreed areas and documents relevant observations.
- 05
Receive your report
You receive the audit findings and supporting documentation in the agreed format.
Your eyes and ears on the ground in China
Frequently asked questions
Is a factory audit the same as a product inspection?
No. A factory audit focuses on the supplier's business, facilities, production processes and quality management practices. A product inspection focuses on the actual products or a specific production batch.
Can you audit a supplier anywhere in China?
Shoulei is based in Wenzhou and can coordinate audit assignments in different regions of China. Availability, travel arrangements and costs depend on the factory location and agreed scope.
Can you verify whether a company is a real manufacturer?
We can review available business information, visit the stated premises and assess visible production activities. However, a visit alone cannot guarantee that every product is manufactured entirely in-house or that all business relationships have been disclosed.
Can you check certificates and documents?
We can review relevant documents provided or made available during the audit. Independent verification with issuing authorities or certification bodies must be agreed separately where required.
Will the factory know about the audit?
In most cases, access must be coordinated with the supplier in advance. Any specific requirements for the visit should be discussed before the assignment.
Can I request a custom audit checklist?
Yes. You can provide your own checklist or describe the questions you want answered. The audit scope will be agreed before the visit.
Make your next sourcing decision with better information
Tell us about the supplier you are considering. We will discuss the audit scope and prepare a practical proposal for your project.
LET’S TALK
HAVE A TASK IN CHINA?
Tell us what you need to check, find or supervise. We will assess the task and suggest a suitable way to work together.
Discuss your needs