Name the decision
State what you are deciding and what would cause you to pause.
SAMPLE / PRODUCTION / BALANCE
What evidence to request before paying a China supplier balance
Generic progress photos rarely answer a payment decision. Define the exact product, measurement, packaging detail, date and source that must be visible.
Scope, cost, timing, deliverables, travel and third-party expenses are confirmed before work begins. Results are not guaranteed.THE REAL DECISION
Evidence must answer a defined decision
A real photo may show the wrong product, date, quantity or location. Tie each requested view or action to an acceptance question.
PRACTICAL ROUTE
Turn uncertainty into an evidence task
Anchor the reference
Identify the product, order, specification, label or sample.
Request observable proof
Specify views, measurements, counts, packing details or continuous video actions.
Choose the right method
Use supplier media, a defined local visit or a qualified inspection in proportion to risk.
USEFUL OUTPUT
Possible task deliverables
- An agreed photo or video checklist
- Original media or observations collected within scope
- A time-stamped action record where practical
- A list of points the evidence still cannot prove
CLEAR LIMITS
Evidence boundaries
- Supplier media may not establish location, completeness or future quality.
- A local visit is not an AQL inspection, audit, lab test or engineering review.
- Access, travel, timing and deliverables are approved before local work.
Questions about production evidence
Are supplier photos enough?
Sometimes for a narrow visible question. Higher-value or quality-critical decisions may require qualified inspection.
Can you visit a factory or market?
Potentially, after location, access, travel, task, price and deliverables are confirmed.
Does video replace inspection?
No. Video may answer a defined visible question but does not replace sampling, testing or professional inspection.
START WITH WHAT YOU HAVE
You do not need to have the whole project solved.
Bring an idea, product link, quote, supplier, sample, or existing order. Describe one concrete task and confirm scope, cost and timing before work begins.
Describe my China-side task