Price alone is a weak filter. The exporters who protect your margin are those who match grade, meet sailing dates, and present clean documents. Use these five questions before you commit volume.
1. Can they show a clear QC process?
Ask what is checked before stuffing, which labs they use, and whether COAs are shared as drafts. Vague promises of “export quality” are not a process.
2. Who owns the shipment after booking?
You want a named contact who can answer on packing status, vessel cut-off, and certificate progress — not a generic sales inbox that goes quiet on Fridays.
3. Do they understand your destination rules?
Residue limits, labelling language, and phytosanitary requirements differ by market. An exporter who asks about destination early is usually more reliable than one who only asks for quantity.
4. Are Incoterms and payment terms explained clearly?
FOB, CFR, and CIF shift risk and cost differently. Reliable partners explain what they control and what you control — in writing — before cargo moves.
5. Will they start with a trial order?
Professional houses welcome a smaller first shipment to validate grade and logistics. Reluctance to run a trial for a new relationship is a yellow flag if volumes are significant.
Red flags to exit early
- Unwillingness to share company registration / IEC details
- Pressure for large advance without sample or contract clarity
- Inconsistent HS codes or product descriptions across emails
- No packing photos or stuffing updates after booking