| Product Material | Stained glass pieces, copper foil or lead-free metal framing, soldered joints, and a hanging loop | Clear material specifications, consistent glass thickness, secure soldering, and no sharp exposed edges | Request a pre-production sample and inspect edges, joints, surface finish, and hanging hardware |
| Common Product Size | Approximately 10–25 cm wide or tall for window suncatchers | Accurate finished dimensions with stated tolerances, usually within approximately ±3 mm for handmade items | Compare the approved sample, technical drawing, and random production measurements |
| Design and Customization | Cat silhouettes, sitting cats, sleeping cats, paw motifs, and customizable colors or patterns | Ability to review artwork, confirm color references, protect design files, and approve a pre-production sample | Use a signed specification sheet covering dimensions, colors, artwork, materials, and packaging |
| Minimum Order Quantity | Common trial-order ranges are about 50–300 pieces per design, depending on customization | Transparent MOQ rules and reasonable mixed-design options for testing new products | Ask for MOQ by design, color, packaging method, and private-label requirement |
| Sample Process | Sample preparation commonly takes about 7–20 calendar days for a standard design | Written sample charges, revision terms, production schedule, and sample photos before shipment | Approve a physical sample or detailed inspection video before placing a bulk order |
| Bulk Production Lead Time | Approximately 20–45 calendar days after artwork and sample approval; complex orders may take longer | A realistic production schedule with milestone updates and advance notice of delays | Include the confirmed lead time and delay procedure in the purchase order |
| Quality Control | Inspection of dimensions, color consistency, solder joints, glass damage, hanging strength, and packaging | Documented inspection checklist, production photos, random inspection records, and a clear defect policy | Use an independent pre-shipment inspection for larger orders or new suppliers |
| Protective Packaging | Individual wrapping, corner protection, inner cartons, and a strong export carton suitable for fragile goods | Packaging designed to reduce glass-to-glass contact and tested for normal transport handling | Request a packaging sample, carton dimensions, gross weight, and drop-test or transport-test information |
| Safety and Compliance Documents | Applicable product and packaging documentation depends on the destination market and intended use | Accurate material declarations, commercial invoice, packing list, and any destination-specific test reports when required | Confirm requirements with the destination customs authority or a qualified compliance professional |
| Export Experience | Experience handling fragile decorative goods and international shipping documentation | Consistent export paperwork, clear Incoterms, carton details, and practical shipping recommendations | Request anonymized shipping documents or references without requiring confidential customer information |
| Price Transparency | Quotation should separate product cost, sampling, packaging, tooling, documentation, and freight-related charges | A written quotation with currency, validity period, payment terms, inclusions, exclusions, and price breaks | Compare at least three itemized quotations using the same specifications and trade terms |
| Payment Terms | A common commercial arrangement is a deposit before production and the balance after completion or before shipment | Payment account details that match the contracting business and a defined process for approval and refunds | Verify legal entity details, bank information, contract terms, and order documentation before payment |
| Communication and After-Sales Service | Replies should address specifications, quantities, defects, schedule, and shipping rather than giving only a price | A named contact, written order confirmation, response process, replacement or credit policy, and timely updates | Test responsiveness with a detailed request and record all approved terms in writing |
| Supplier Reliability Scorecard | Suggested weighting: quality 30%, delivery 20%, communication 15%, packaging 15%, documentation 10%, price 10% | Consistent performance across several criteria rather than the lowest quoted price alone | Score each shortlisted supplier from 1 to 5 after sample review and use the total for final comparison |
