Before you begin

Select the questions that affect your purchase and record the assumptions, evidence and follow-up behind each important answer.

A long question list is useful only if it improves a decision. Choose the questions below that match your buying stage, and leave time for follow-up. An answer such as “no problem” usually needs a second question about the process, document or assumption behind it.

Keep one product reference visible throughout the meeting. When an answer applies to only one model, material or quantity, write that limitation beside it.

Production and responsibility

  1. Which legal entity would we place the order with? Record the stated entity and its role, then follow your company's verification process for the relevant documents.
  2. Which processes for our product take place at this site? Relate the answer to the proposed production sequence, rather than the full range of activities shown on the tour.
  3. Which steps would be performed elsewhere? Ask who coordinates those steps and how changes or problems are communicated back to your contact.
  4. Who will own our project after we place an order? Obtain a named operational contact and clarify who can decide technical and commercial questions.
  5. Can we discuss the proposed process with the responsible production person? Arrange language support if needed and focus the discussion on your actual requirements.

Specification and materials

  1. Which drawing and specification version is your quotation based on? Compare revision references directly and resolve discrepancies before discussing a revised price.
  2. Which materials and components are included? Ask for clear references where relevant, especially when a description could cover several possible grades or options.
  3. Are any substitutions proposed or allowed? Establish how alternatives would be documented and who must approve them before use.
  4. Which product requirements are difficult to meet consistently? Invite a specific explanation of constraints instead of asking only whether the product is possible.
  5. What information is missing from our brief? Give the supplier room to identify unresolved dimensions, finishes, packaging details or intended-use assumptions.

Samples and quality

  1. How will the next sample differ from the current one? Record each change individually and identify any effect on other parts of the product.
  2. Will the sample use the proposed production materials and process? If it will differ, document which aspects it can and cannot demonstrate.
  3. How will an approved sample be identified and retained? Agree a reference that connects the physical sample with the current written specification.
  4. How do you check the characteristics that matter for our product? Ask to discuss methods and records; obtain specialist advice where technical assessment is needed.
  5. What happens when a check finds a problem? Understand who is informed, how affected goods are handled and what requires your decision.

Price and schedule

  1. What quantity and product mix does this price assume? Clarify whether thresholds apply to the whole order, each colour, each size or another grouping.
  2. Which costs are listed separately from the unit price? Request an itemised explanation of tooling, samples, packaging and other quoted charges where applicable.
  3. What would change the quoted price? Identify assumptions about specifications, quantities and services so later revisions have an understandable basis.
  4. What event starts the proposed production lead time? Distinguish an estimate discussed today from a schedule that depends on approvals or other prerequisites.
  5. Which milestones can we use to monitor progress? Ask for meaningful updates tied to the work, with dates to be confirmed in the agreed plan.

Control and follow-up

  1. How will you flag a potential delay? Agree who contacts you, what information they provide and how proposed changes are escalated.
  2. How should we submit specification changes? Establish one channel and document owner so an informal message does not conflict with the master version.
  3. What packaging details still need agreement? Cover the product pack and outer shipment packaging as separate items where relevant to your purchase.
  4. Which points from today's meeting remain unconfirmed? Invite corrections before everyone leaves, including anything requiring another person's approval or supporting evidence.
  5. Who will send each outstanding item, and when? Close with named owners and target dates, then include them in the written recap.

Answers collected during a visit are part of your evidence, not automatic verification. Use the appropriate specialist checks for decisions that require them. Share your priority questions with TalkEast when arranging interpreting, so terminology and meeting time can be prepared around the discussion.