{"id":4591,"date":"2026-01-21T10:00:25","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T10:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/?p=4591"},"modified":"2026-01-21T10:03:33","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T10:03:33","slug":"seven-questions-to-ask-a-new-supplier-that-scammers-cant-answer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/seven-questions-to-ask-a-new-supplier-that-scammers-cant-answer\/","title":{"rendered":"Seven Questions to Ask a New Supplier (That Scammers Can&#8217;t Answer)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading title-case\">\ud83d\udccc Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Specific questions requiring verifiable proof disqualify fraudulent suppliers in minutes while legitimate partners answer confidently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Evidence Over Persuasion:<\/strong> Real suppliers provide documentation\u2014registration certificates, time-stamped facility proof, test reports\u2014while scammers evade with vague promises and urgency tactics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legal Entity Consistency Matters:<\/strong> Invoice names, bank accounts, and shipping documents must match exactly across all paperwork to confirm supplier identity and prevent payment fraud.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Facility Proof-of-Life Required:<\/strong> Live videos, dated photos with prompts, or recent audits verify production capability this week, eliminating stock footage and borrowed factory claims.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Test Methods Reveal Capability:<\/strong> Suppliers stating &#8220;ISO 2758 burst strength at 350 kPa \u00b15%&#8221; demonstrate measurable quality control; &#8220;premium quality&#8221; without specs signals risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Staged Payments Reduce Exposure:<\/strong> Legitimate first-time supplier relationships accommodate sample approval gates and documented milestones rather than demanding irreversible full payment upfront.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Proof-first supplier vetting protects working capital and prevents costly restarts.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Procurement managers qualifying international packaging suppliers will gain a ready-to-send verification script here, preparing them for the risk-mitigation frameworks that follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You need boxes by next month. Three suppliers have quoted. One price looks too good. How do you tell who&#8217;s real efficiently?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The inbox fills fast when you&#8217;re sourcing packaging\u2014attractive prices, professional emails, promises of quick delivery. But somewhere between that polished PDF and the wire transfer request sits a question that keeps procurement managers awake: <em>Is this supplier actually real?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s what scammers count on: vagueness, urgency, and claims you can&#8217;t verify. They move fast because friction is their enemy. The moment you ask for something specific, something provable, something that requires actual documentation\u2014they stumble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-40 title-case\">Why These Questions Work (in 60 Seconds)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"865\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/supplier-verification-process-1024x865.png\" alt=\"\u201cSupplier Verification Process.\u201d A multicolor funnel narrows to an approved-purchase icon. Four labeled steps at right: 1) Ask verification questions to the supplier; 2) Evaluate responses for accuracy; 3) Seek proof\/evidence; 4) Verify the information provided.\" class=\"wp-image-4592\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/supplier-verification-process-1024x865.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/supplier-verification-process-300x253.png 300w, https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/supplier-verification-process-768x649.png 768w, https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/supplier-verification-process-1536x1298.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/supplier-verification-process-600x507.png 600w, https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/supplier-verification-process.png 1999w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"margin-top-40 wp-block-paragraph\">The objective isn&#8217;t to investigate forever. It&#8217;s to disqualify quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A scammer can talk. A real supplier can answer specifically and prove it. These seven questions force proof and verifiability\u2014two elements that fraudulent operators typically struggle to maintain without discrepancies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Send these as a single email or run them as a 20-minute introductory call.. Either way, the responses will tell you everything you need to know about whether to proceed or walk away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a deeper framework on building systematic supplier trust, consult a comprehensive supplier verification protocol, see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/the-trust-protocol-a-system-for-supplier-verification-risk-mitigation\/\">The Trust Protocol: a system for supplier verification and risk mitigation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-40 title-case\">Implementation Strategy:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"732\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/supplier-onboarding-and-evidence-verification-process-1024x732.png\" alt=\"\u201cSupplier Onboarding and Evidence Verification Process.\u201d Four-step arrow timeline: 1) Set Expectations\u2014state proof and documentation requirements; 2) Request Unified Evidence Pack\u2014organized, labeled attachments; 3) Apply Strict Decision Rules\u2014reject vague answers; 4) Final Decision\u2014choose based on evidence.\" class=\"wp-image-4593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/supplier-onboarding-and-evidence-verification-process-1024x732.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/supplier-onboarding-and-evidence-verification-process-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/supplier-onboarding-and-evidence-verification-process-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/supplier-onboarding-and-evidence-verification-process-1536x1098.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/supplier-onboarding-and-evidence-verification-process-600x429.png 600w, https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/supplier-onboarding-and-evidence-verification-process.png 1999w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"margin-top-40 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Prioritize evidence during onboarding.<\/strong> Set the expectation upfront: &#8220;We require answers plus supporting documentation attached.&#8221; This signals professionalism and immediately filters out anyone unwilling to provide proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Require unified evidence packs.<\/strong> Scattered WhatsApp photos and verbal assurances don&#8217;t count. When sourcing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/product-listings\/kraft-paper\/8332\/22\">kraft paper<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/product-listings\/boxes-corrugated\/8781\/23\">corrugated boxes<\/a>, establishing what constitutes acceptable documentation prevents misunderstandings before orders are placed. Ask for organized documentation in a single response with attachments labeled Q1\u2013Q7. Redaction is fine for pricing and customer names; entity details, dates, and document structure must stay visible. Legitimate suppliers maintain this readily. Fraudulent entities generally find it difficult to fabricate this level of detail consistently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Apply strict decision rules.<\/strong> Don&#8217;t negotiate with evasiveness. Vague answers aren&#8217;t a starting point for discussion\u2014they&#8217;re disqualifying signals. Move on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A note for suppliers reading this: these questions should be welcome. They prevent wasted cycles, misquotes, and mismatched expectations. Preparing clear answers and organized proof actually accelerates the path to real business relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Supplier Vetting Interview Script<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Copy and send as a single email, or use as a 12-minute call guide.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Question<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What a Real Answer Includes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1. What is the legal entity that will invoice me\u2014and what registry can I verify it in?<\/td><td>Legal name, registration number, registered address; link to official registry<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2. Which facility will actually make\/fulfill this order\u2014and can you prove it&#8217;s real this week?<\/td><td>Facility name + address; time-stamped proof-of-life (live video, dated photos, recent audit)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3. What exact product specs can you hold repeatedly\u2014and how do you test them? For <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/RFQ-listings\/kraft-paper\/8332\/22\">kraft paper<\/a> buyers, this means asking suppliers to specify <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/tappi-iso-in-plain-english-which-test-methods-to-require-in-your-kraft-paper-rfq-and-why\/\">test methods like ISO 536 and ISO 2758<\/a> with defined tolerances.<\/td><td>Measurable parameters, test methods, tolerances in specific units<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4. Can you share 2\u20133 recent shipment proofs (redacted) showing international delivery?<\/td><td>Redacted commercial documents with consistent entity details and recent dates<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5. Who are two current customers that can confirm performance\u2014with verifiable contact info?<\/td><td>References with permission; verifiable company domains or third-party platform reviews<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>6. Which payment terms do you accept for first orders\u2014and what risk controls will you use?<\/td><td>Reasonable first-order options; willingness to stage payments after sample approval<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>7. If something goes wrong, what is the dispute path\u2014and who is accountable for the documents?<\/td><td>Named accountable person, defined escalation process, documented acceptance criteria<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Red Flag Triggers:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inconsistent legal entity names across documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Refusal of time-stamped facility proof<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only marketing language for specs (no test methods or tolerances)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Urgency pressure combined with irreversible payment demands<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#8220;No problems ever&#8221; with no named accountable person<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Decision Rule:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pass:<\/strong> Specific answers + verifiable proof + consistent entity details \u2192 proceed to trial order<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Caution:<\/strong> Mostly specific but weak proof \u2192 small sample order first<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fail:<\/strong> Evasive, inconsistent, or urgent pressure \u2192 stop engagement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Download: [Supplier Vetting Interview Script (PDF)]<\/strong> \u2014 Same content in a formatted, shareable document for your team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-40 title-case\">The 7 Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q1: Legal Entity Verification<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ask:<\/strong> &#8220;What is the legal entity that will invoice me\u2014and what registry can I verify it in?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A real answer includes:<\/strong> The exact legal name, company registration number, and registered address. The invoice entity must match exactly. The supplier provides a link or clear instructions for verification through an official government or business registry. For entities with a Legal Entity Identifier (LEI), verification can be performed through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gleif.org\/en\">Global LEI system<\/a>. When sourcing internationally, understanding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/how-to-verify-international-suppliers-without-travel-a-five-step-checklist\/\">how to verify international suppliers without travel<\/a> becomes crucial for establishing supplier legitimacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scammer patterns:<\/strong> &#8220;We have many branches&#8221; without specifying which one invoices. Inconsistent names across communications. Reluctance to share registration documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Follow-up:<\/strong> &#8220;Please confirm the bank account name will match the invoice entity exactly.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q2: Facility Proof<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ask:<\/strong> &#8220;Which facility will actually make or fulfill this order\u2014and can you prove it&#8217;s real this week?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A real answer includes:<\/strong> The facility name and physical address. Time-stamped proof-of-life: a live video walk-through, dated photos with specific prompts you request (like today&#8217;s newspaper or a sign with your company name), or a recent third-party audit summary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scammer patterns:<\/strong> Stock factory footage from image libraries. Refusal to provide live or current proof. Generic claims like &#8220;big factory&#8221; or &#8220;modern equipment&#8221; without specifics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Follow-up:<\/strong> &#8220;Can you send a 30-second video of the production floor with today&#8217;s date visible?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q3: Product Specs and Testing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ask:<\/strong> &#8220;What exact product specs can you hold repeatedly\u2014and how do you test them?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tailor this question to the specific category\u2014corrugated boxes, kraft paper, packaging materials\u2014whatever applies to your order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A real answer includes:<\/strong> Measurable parameters with specific values. Named test methods from standards bodies like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iso.org\/committee\/45674\/x\/catalogue\/\">ISO<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tappi.org\/Get-Involved\/Develop-Standards-Methods\/\">TAPPI<\/a>, or equivalent. Defined tolerances with units. For example: &#8220;We test burst strength per <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iso.org\/standard\/61487.html\">ISO 2758<\/a> and report in kPa with \u00b15% tolerance.&#8221; Understanding specific <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/the-quality-blueprint-how-to-define-enforce-kraft-paper-technical-specs\/\">kraft paper technical specs<\/a> helps buyers set measurable acceptance criteria that prevent post-delivery disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scammer patterns:<\/strong> Only marketing language (&#8220;high quality,&#8221; &#8220;premium grade&#8221;) with no technical specifics. No mention of test methods. No tolerances or acceptance criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Follow-up:<\/strong> &#8220;Can you share a recent test certificate or quality report for this product?&#8221; When evaluating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/companies\/paper-products-suppliers\/paper-bags\/19441\/9\">paper bag suppliers<\/a>, requesting lab reports with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/paper-bag-raw-material-grades-gsm-and-burst-factor-explained\/\">GSM and burst factor specifications<\/a> ensures suppliers can deliver consistent quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more on setting clear acceptance thresholds, see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/containerboard-quality-acceptance-criteria-that-prevent-disputes-a-simple-way-to-set-thresholds-and-triage\/\">containerboard quality acceptance criteria that prevent disputes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q4: Recent Shipment Proofs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ask:<\/strong> &#8220;Can you share 2\u20133 recent shipment proofs (redacted) that show you&#8217;ve delivered this product internationally?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A real answer includes:<\/strong> Redacted commercial documents\u2014invoices, packing lists, or bill of lading references\u2014showing consistent entity details and recent activity. Understanding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/export-documentation-for-kraft-paper-a-field-by-field-evaluation-checklist-for-bl-coo-fumigation-supporting-certificates\/\">export documentation requirements<\/a> helps buyers identify what legitimate shipping documents should contain and what red flags to watch for. Keep dates and entity names visible; redact only prices and customer names. Document structure and timeline consistency cannot be faked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scammer patterns:<\/strong> Excuses about &#8220;privacy&#8221; with no willingness to provide redacted alternatives. Only screenshots without document context. Documents with inconsistent formatting or entity names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Follow-up:<\/strong> &#8220;Can you confirm the exporting entity on these documents matches the invoice entity you provided?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q5: Customer References<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ask:<\/strong> &#8220;Who are two current customers that can confirm performance\u2014using contact info I can independently verify?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A real answer includes:<\/strong> References who have given permission, with contact information at verifiable company domains (not personal email addresses). When vetting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/verifying-international-paper-bags-suppliers-a-checklist-for-safe-online-sourcing\/\">international paper bag suppliers<\/a>, cross-referencing provided references against third-party platforms adds another verification layer. Alternatively, third-party platform reviews combined with company websites you can cross-reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scammer patterns:<\/strong> Only personal email addresses (gmail, yahoo) for &#8220;references.&#8221; Unwillingness to allow any verification. LinkedIn profiles that don&#8217;t connect to real company websites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Follow-up:<\/strong> &#8220;May I contact them directly, or can you provide a reference letter on their company letterhead?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q6: Payment Terms and Risk Controls<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ask:<\/strong> &#8220;Which payment terms do you accept for first orders\u2014and what risk controls are you willing to use?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep this educational\u2014the goal is understanding their flexibility, not providing legal or financial advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A real answer includes:<\/strong> Reasonable first-order options that acknowledge the trust-building nature of new relationships. Many legitimate suppliers understand that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/negotiating-payment-terms-how-to-move-beyond-100-advance\/\">negotiating payment terms beyond 100% advance<\/a> demonstrates mutual commitment to building a working partnership. Willingness to discuss staged payments after sample approval. Openness to standard risk controls common in B2B international trade. Terms should reference clear <a href=\"https:\/\/iccwbo.org\/business-solutions\/incoterms-rules\/incoterms-2020\/\">Incoterms\u00ae rules<\/a> so responsibilities are understood by both parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scammer patterns:<\/strong> Pressure for urgency combined with demands for full payment through irreversible channels. Refusal to discuss any staged approach. &#8220;Special discount&#8221; that expires immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Follow-up:<\/strong> &#8220;What is your standard process for first-time buyers who want to start with a sample order?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q7: Dispute Path and Accountability<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ask:<\/strong> &#8220;If something goes wrong, what is the dispute path\u2014and who is accountable for the documents?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A real answer includes:<\/strong> A named person responsible for quality and delivery issues. Documented acceptance criteria. A clear escalation process with contact information. Willingness to define terms before problems occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scammer patterns:<\/strong> &#8220;No problem ever happens.&#8221; No named accountable person. Vague assurances instead of documented processes. Resistance to discussing what happens if specs aren&#8217;t met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Follow-up:<\/strong> &#8220;Can you include the accountable contact and escalation process in our purchase agreement?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-40 title-case\">Scoring and Next Steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apply a simple decision framework based on the responses you receive:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pass:<\/strong> The supplier provides specific answers with verifiable proof and consistent entity details across all documents. Proceed with a trial order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caution:<\/strong> Answers are mostly specific, but proof is weak in one or two areas. Move forward with a small sample order before committing to volume. Request missing documentation before scaling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fail:<\/strong> Responses are evasive, entity details are inconsistent, or you sense urgency pressure. Stop engagement immediately. The risk isn&#8217;t worth the potential savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a complete framework on verifying overseas suppliers through sequential gates\u2014identity \u2192 capability \u2192 compliance \u2192 comparability \u2192 trial\u2014see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/the-zero-trust-sourcing-model-how-to-verify-overseas-suppliers-without-travel\/\">Zero-Trust Sourcing Model: how to verify overseas suppliers without travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-40 title-case\">If Sustainability Claims Are Involved<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a supplier claims FSC certification, recycled content percentages, or other sustainability credentials, documentation continuity becomes critical. A certificate alone isn&#8217;t enough\u2014the claim must travel correctly through invoices and shipping documents to maintain chain-of-custody integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Certificate validity can be checked through public registries like<a href=\"https:\/\/connect.fsc.org\/fsc-public-certificate-search\"><\/a>the <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.fsc.org\/fsc-public-certificate-search\">FSC Public Certificate Search<\/a>, but verification goes beyond confirming active status. Buyers should learn <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/how-to-run-a-quick-registry-check-for-fsc-pefc-certificates\/\">how to run a quick registry check for FSC\/PEFC certificates<\/a> to match holder legal names with invoice entities and confirm scope coverage. You must ensure the certificate scope covers your specific product and that claim wording transfers correctly onto commercial documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This adds complexity beyond the seven core questions. For guidance on verifying that certified claims survive the full supply chain, see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/the-relay-baton-test-can-your-supplier-pass-a-certified-claim-through-traders\/\">The Relay Baton Test for chain-of-custody proof continuity<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-40 title-case\">Make Proof the Default<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;A scammer hates a specific question. A real supplier loves it.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The suppliers worth working with will appreciate these questions. They demonstrate that you&#8217;re serious, organized, and building toward a real business relationship\u2014not just chasing the lowest quote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you make evidence the baseline expectation rather than the exception, you stop wasting time on suppliers who can&#8217;t deliver and start building relationships with those who can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more frameworks on safe international trading and supplier qualification, explore the resources available in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/academy\/\">PaperIndex Academy<\/a>. Buyers can also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/get-free-quotes\/submit-RFQ-new\">submit RFQs to pre-qualified suppliers<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/find-suppliers\/paper-suppliers-exporters\/7\">browse verified paper suppliers<\/a> to begin building relationships with evidence-backed partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Disclaimer:<\/strong> This article provides educational guidance on supplier qualification practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-40 title-case\">Our Editorial Process:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our expert team uses AI tools to help organize and structure our initial drafts. Every piece is then extensively rewritten, fact-checked, and enriched with first-hand insights and experiences by expert humans on our Insights Team to ensure accuracy and clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-40 title-case\">About the PaperIndex Insights Team:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperindex.com\/\">PaperIndex<\/a> Insights Team is our dedicated engine for synthesizing complex topics into clear, helpful guides. While our content is thoroughly reviewed for clarity and accuracy, it is for informational purposes and should not replace professional advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\ud83d\udccc Key Takeaways Specific questions requiring verifiable proof disqualify fraudulent suppliers in minutes while legitimate partners answer confidently. Proof-first supplier vetting protects working capital and prevents costly restarts. Procurement managers qualifying international packaging suppliers will gain a ready-to-send verification script here, preparing them for the risk-mitigation frameworks that follow. You &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4594,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[91,92,99],"tags":[233,225],"class_list":["post-4591","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-supplier-evaluation","category-supplier-management","category-trade-risk-management","tag-corrugated-boxes","tag-supplier-verification"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Seven Questions to Ask a New Supplier (That Scammers Can&#039;t Answer)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Verify new packaging suppliers in twelve minutes 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