Last week we inspected 5 Vietnam factories and only 2 passed. Learn our real factory audit checklist to verify suppliers and avoid costly sourcing mistakes.
Factory Audit Checklist for Vietnam Suppliers: Last Week We Visited 5 Factories (Only 2 Passed)
At 7:30 AM, our team was already on the road to Binh Duong.
Coffee in one hand. Audit checklist in the other.
The plan sounded simple.
Visit 5 potential suppliers for a US buyer.
Verify capacity. Check quality systems. Approve 2 to move forward.
By 5 PM, we had a very different reality.
Out of 5 factories:
- 1 was actually a trading company
- 1 outsourced most production
- 1 had no real quality control
- only 2 were qualified
If the buyer had transferred a deposit without inspection, it would have been a very expensive lesson.
This happens more often than people think.
And that’s exactly why factory audits matter.
The “Perfect” Factory That Wasn’t
The first factory looked impressive online.
Beautiful website.
Fast replies.
Great prices.
But when we arrived?
Half the machines were idle.
Only 6 workers on the floor.
Dust everywhere.
When we asked about monthly capacity, the numbers didn’t match their quotation at all.
Reality check:
They couldn’t even handle 30% of the order volume.
Without visiting, you would never know.
Photos can lie. Production floors don’t.
The Second Surprise: A Hidden Trading Company
Factory #2 claimed to be a direct manufacturer.
But something felt off.
We noticed:
- no raw materials in stock
- no real production line
- mostly office desks
After more questions, the truth came out.
They outsourced everything to another workshop.
Meaning:
- less control
- unstable pricing
- inconsistent quality
For small orders, maybe fine.
For serious importing? Very risky.
The Third One: No Quality Control at All
This one hurt the most.
They had:
- modern machines
- many workers
- big space
At first glance, it looked promising.
Then we asked:
“Where is your QC team?”
The manager pointed at the workers and said:
“They check themselves.”
That’s not QC. That’s hope.
Without independent inspection:
mistakes travel straight into your container.
The Two That Passed
Finally, factories #4 and #5.
Different feeling immediately.
Clean layout.
Organized materials.
Clear production flow.
Dedicated QC staff.
Proper records.
When we asked for certifications and licenses, they handed over documents within minutes.
No excuses. No delays.
That’s usually the sign of a professional manufacturer.
These were the ones we recommended to our client.
Not the cheapest.
But the safest.
So How Do You Actually Audit a Vietnam Supplier?
After hundreds of factory visits across Vietnam, we follow the same checklist every time.
Here’s the exact framework we use.
Our Real Factory Audit Checklist for Vietnam Suppliers
Legal Verification
- Business license
- Tax code
- Export license
- Real factory address
- Years in operation
If documents don’t match, we stop immediately.
Production Capacity
- Number of workers
- Production lines
- Monthly output
- Current orders
If their numbers don’t support your volume, delays are guaranteed.
Machinery & Equipment
- Machine condition
- Specialized equipment
- Maintenance status
Old or missing machines = inconsistent quality.
Product Experience
- Similar products made before
- Export markets (US/EU)
- Past customers
Experience reduces costly mistakes.
Quality Control System
Incoming material checks
In-line inspection
Final inspection
Testing tools
Dedicated QC staff
No QC team = big red flag.
Raw Material Storage
- Clean warehouse
- Proper labeling
- Moisture protection
Bad storage ruins products before production even starts.
Management & Communication
- Professional team
- Clear answers
- Fast responses
- Transparency
If communication is messy now, it will be worse during production.
When Should You Audit a Factory?
We recommend audits:
✅ before first order
✅ before large orders
✅ when switching suppliers
✅ after quality problems
✅ yearly for long-term partners
Skipping audits to “save a few hundred dollars” often costs thousands later.
Can You Do This Yourself?
Yes. If you’re in Vietnam.
But most overseas buyers face:
- travel costs
- time constraints
- language barriers
That’s why many clients ask us to handle audits locally and send:
- photos
- videos
- reports
- real capacity data
So they can make decisions with facts, not guesses.
Download Our Free Factory Audit Checklist
We turned our internal audit sheet into a simple checklist you can use.
Print it.
Bring it to your factory visit.
Or send it to your inspection team.
Download the free checklist here
How VA Sourcing & Solutions Supports Global Buyers
Vietnam offers excellent manufacturing opportunities.
But successful sourcing is not just about finding the cheapest supplier.
It’s about understanding the total cost, managing risk, and controlling quality.
When you calculate everything properly, Vietnam can be one of the most cost-effective sourcing destinations in the world.
If you want a realistic cost estimate for your next project, our local team at Vietnam Authentic can help you evaluate suppliers, calculate total landed cost, and avoid expensive surprises.
At VA Sourcing & Solutions, we help international brands and distributors connect directly with trusted Vietnamese manufacturers.
Our sourcing services include:
- 🔍 Supplier search & verification
- 🧾 Negotiation & sample coordination
- 🏭 Production monitoring & quality control
- 🚢 Export documentation & logistics
We bridge the language, culture, and compliance gaps so you can focus on your business while we handle the factory-to-port journey.
Contact Us
Share your project details with us
Vietnam’s diverse product landscape offers great business opportunities with competitive pricing and quality. Our support ensures reliable supplier connections and competitive quotes. Seize the potential to elevate your business in Vietnam’s manufacturing landscape.
Don’t miss out on the advantages of sourcing from Vietnam. Contact us now to explore these product categories and boost your business’s success!
Our team will promptly respond and provide the assistance you need for optimal results.
Learn More about Product Sourcing from Vietnam
Curious about Vietnam as a viable product sourcing country, to build your company around?
Say no more, here are more links to explore;
- Product Sourcing from Vietnam
- Factory Visits in Vietnam
- Quality Control Service from Vietnam
- Product Packaging from Vietnam
- Shipping & Logistics from-to Vietnam
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions concerning your product sourcing needs for Vietnam
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