A note about Combinate's role
Combinate provides software for discovery and collaboration; we do not verify or certify users or factories. You remain responsible for your own checks, agreements, and compliance decisions. This article describes common practices many brands use — not a guarantee.
Quick checklist
Start with fit, not flattery
Before you evaluate trust, evaluate match: does this factory routinely produce products like yours, at similar complexity and volumes? A great factory for aerospace machining may be the wrong partner for apparel — and vice versa.
Ask for relevant examples without expecting them to reveal confidential customer names. Look for specificity: processes, tolerances, materials, and how they handled changes or challenges.
Ask for evidence you can verify
Policies on a website are not the same as operational proof. Depending on the category, brands often review:
Company identity
Registered business details and a stable trading address appropriate to the work claimed. You can check Companies House for UK-registered firms.
Capability proof
Equipment and process steps that align with your product — not generic stock photos. Ask for specifics about capacity, typical batch sizes, and turnaround.
Quality practices
How they inspect, measure, and handle non-conformance. If you need certifications, ask what applies to your product and supply chain.
Commercial clarity
Written quotes that separate tooling, unit price, revisions, and what happens if scope changes.
Red flags worth slowing down for
None of these automatically mean "bad factory" — but they are reasons to ask more questions before proceeding.
Vague quotes
No assumptions stated, especially on materials, tolerances, or compliance. If they can't be specific, it may cost you later.
Pressure to skip formalities
Unwillingness to put things in writing or pressure to pay in ways that remove your recourse.
No quality process
Unwillingness to discuss inspection, samples, or change control when asked directly.
Absolute claims
"We guarantee compliance" without evidence tied to your product category. Real compliance is specific, not generic.
Align expectations before money moves
Agree how you will communicate, how approvals work, and what "done" means for samples and production. Put commercial boundaries in writing:
If you are new to manufacturing contracts, get professional advice. Templates are not a substitute for advice tailored to your situation.
Use the glossary to speak the same language
Shared vocabulary reduces misunderstandings. If a term is unfamiliar — RFQ, tooling, first-off sample, MOQ — look it up and ask clarifying questions rather than guessing.
Browse the glossaryReady to find the right partner?
Combinate helps you discover and compare UK manufacturers. Post your project, get quotes, and collaborate — all in one place.
Disclaimer: This article is general information for businesses. It is not legal advice. For contracts, IP, and compliance, seek qualified professionals.