How do I tell a real factory from a trading company?

By I&R Group, Jiaxing. Reviewed October 3, 2026.

Ask for the business license and check the business scope says manufacturing, not only trade; ask to video-call from the production floor, not a showroom; and check that the VAT invoice, the bank account and the license all carry the same company name. A trader can be useful, but you pay a margin and have less control over the build. Either way, verify who actually makes the machine.

• Business license scope should include manufacturing.
• Video call from the shop floor, with the machine running.
• License, bank account and invoice names must all match.