Toothbrush Supplier Checklist: 10 Questions Before You Order

Before committing to any electric toothbrush supplier, run through this checklist. These 10 questions will help you separate professional manufacturers from unreliable ones — and protect your investment.

1. Are you a factory or a trading company?

Factories offer lower prices and more control. Trading companies add a margin but may offer more flexibility. Know which you're dealing with and factor it into your pricing expectations.

2. What certifications do your products hold?

Minimum: CE, RoHS. For US market: FDA. Ask for original certificates and verify the issuing body. Expired or fake certificates are a serious red flag.

3. What is your MOQ and can it be negotiated?

Understand the MOQ per SKU and whether it applies to color variants separately. Ask about trial order options if you're testing a new product.

4. What is the sample lead time and cost?

Expect 7–15 days and $30–80 per sample. Samples should be refundable upon mass production order. Be wary of factories that refuse to provide samples.

5. What are your payment terms?

Standard terms: 30% deposit, 70% before shipment. For new suppliers, consider using a Letter of Credit (LC) or escrow service for your first order.

6. What is your quality control process?

Ask about in-line QC, final inspection procedures, and defect rate. Request the right to conduct a pre-shipment inspection (PSI) by a third party.

7. What is your warranty and return policy?

Professional manufacturers offer a 12-month warranty on defective units. Understand the process for handling defects found after delivery.

8. Can you provide references or export records?

Ask for references from existing clients in your target market. Export records (verifiable via ImportGenius or Panjiva) confirm real shipping history.

9. What is the production lead time after deposit?

Get this in writing. Standard: 25–45 days. Anything under 20 days for a custom order should raise questions about quality shortcuts.

10. Do you sign NDAs?

Any professional manufacturer will sign an NDA before discussing custom product details. This protects your design and business information.

FAQ

Where can I find reliable toothbrush suppliers?

Alibaba, Canton Fair, and direct factory websites are starting points. Always verify independently before ordering.

Does OQPO answer all 10 of these questions?

Yes. Contact us and we'll provide full documentation, references, and a factory overview. Learn more about OQPO's quality standards.