A low price from the wrong supplier is more expensive than a fair price from the right one.
The 10 questions to ask before accepting any quotation:
1. What is your GST registration number? Ask for the GSTIN and verify it at gstin.in or on VyaparSethu's auto-verify. If they don't have one, you'll pay reverse charge.
2. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)? If their MOQ is 1 MT but you need 500 kg, they may still supply but pricing changes. Confirm in writing.
3. What is the payment term? Advance, 30-day credit, letter of credit? This affects your working capital significantly.
4. What quality certifications do you hold? BIS, ISO 9001, NABL, FSSAI — relevant certifications depend on the category. A food supplier without FSSAI is a legal liability.
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5. What is your lead time from order to dispatch? "7–10 days" is different from "7–10 working days". Clarify the difference, especially for time-sensitive orders.
6. What is your defect replacement policy? Does the supplier replace defective goods at no cost? Within what timeframe?
7. Do you have capacity for repeat orders? A supplier who can do one 50 MT order but not a standing monthly order wastes your vendor onboarding effort.
8. Which transporter do you typically use? This affects both cost and reliability. Ask for 2–3 references of past deliveries to your city.
9. Can you provide samples before bulk order? For any order above ₹1 lakh, insist on samples for quality verification.
10. What happens if delivery is delayed? Ask for a penalty clause or at least a commitment in the Business Conversations thread on VyaparSethu. Protected Payment holds funds until you confirm delivery — that's your safety net.