Without asking questions we might buy things and then later we realize we don’t like them, or it’s not the same as we expected, because we weren’t careful enough.
In the world of Furniture, we are buying stuff that lasts for years, so you must ask your Furniture Supplier first to make sure whether are you making the right choice or not.
97 Critical Questions to ask your Furniture Supplier (With asking reasons)
Here is why asking questions to your supplier is helpful:
- Questions serve as a checklist for how much work there is ahead of you before purchasing your new furniture.
- Questions help preview exactly what quality and durability you should expect from your supplier.
- Questions reveal the quality of customer service and warranty that customers should expect after purchasing their Furniture.
- Questions show that the “why does dark chocolate taste so nasty to some people?” answerer cares about their customers by providing as many answers as opinionated questions
- Questions also show that the answerer is knowledgeable about their product and company
Prepare a pen and paper cause I got a lot of furniture questions for you.
BUT
Are all the questions useful?
Do you need to ask them all?
Note: save the page to come back later, you don't want to lose the questions.
9 Types of questions for your furniture supplier:
#1: Questions Specifically for the Furniture company:
Before asking about the products or the services you have to ask them about their company first!
1- Can you tell me a bit about the history of your company and how it got started in the Furniture industry?
It would help if you asked this to understand better how long the company has been around and how many employees it has.
2- When was the company established?
it helps you better to understand the company, its past, and future.
You will know if they are experienced in the industry and their customer satisfaction rate is good.
3- Do any of your products have any certifications or endorsements?
It might often surprise consumers that many reputable companies have certifications or endorsements for their products, but they don’t always prominently advertise or promote this information.
4- Ask if their company belongs to any professional organizations within the Furniture industry?
Professional organizations are an excellent place to start when researching Furniture Suppliers.
They’re designed to allow professionals to engage with their peers, learn from and connect with industry experts, and identify the latest trends in their industry.
Membership in these organizations can take the form of individual participation and/or sponsorship of educational activities. For example, LCI is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Residential Furniture Association (IRFA).
5- How far do you intend to help me? Will you provide me with the value I’m seeking for?
Make sure if your supplier wants to be your partner and make money together or they only want to close deals, and that’s all.
6- Do you have any blog posts or articles that I can read to learn more about Furniture or your company specifically?
By asking this question, you can better understand the company and its products. This can help you make a more informed decision about whether or not to buy from them.
Additionally, it can help you learn more about their products and their quality.
I recently wrote an article about cushion fabric types, now you can ask the Supplier about fabric too!
7- What can you tell me about the Company Owner?
Learn about an employee’s attitude, skills, and performance as you get to know their boss or owner.
You also find out how dedicated they are to what they do, how passionate and how much value and quality they’re adding to the Furniture Community.
8- Are there any trade shows or conventions that I can attend to see your products in person?
This question eliminates any chances for the supplier to be a fraud. Trade shows are great for furniture retailers to discover new potential wholesale suppliers.
Come and meet us at the next Chinese trade show!
9- How many employees does the factory/company have?
To know if it’s a manufacturer or supplier.
10- Do you have an export license?
You can check these up on their Alibaba/global sources account. Check out how to know if your Alibaba Supplier is legitimate or not.
11- Do you have any customer references from my country?
Being aware of whether the supplier has sold to furniture retailers in your country once is crucial since you’ll get the impression that the goods have been well-received in your market.
12- What are your total export sales?
Ask about their sales, this will give you a better understanding of their true capabilities; the domestic market may sometimes be larger than the export market in larger companies.
13- What furniture product do you mainly sell to the [Your Country] market?
Get to know what are the trends right now in your market.
14- Do they have any other brand names?
Many Furniture Companies operate under a variety of brand names.
15- Do they have an Alibaba or company website?
If yes, check out the steps here to know if the Alibaba supplier is legitimate.
16- Is it possible to provide us with some photographs of your company’s employees, completed goods, workplace, office, and manufacturing facilities?
Then do a google reverse image search to check they haven’t stolen images from other websites/factories.
17- Where is your factory located?
Get the full address for factory inspects and audits. Our factory is in China, Feel free to drop by
18- What sets your company apart from others in the industry?
You can get a sense of what makes your Furniture Supplier unique and its benefits.
You can also get an idea of the company’s values and how they match up with your own.
19- What kind of training or experience does your sales staff have with outdoor furniture?
Is their sales team well trained? or just a bunch of graduates who watched Patrick Dang’s videos?
In Yoho, we ensure our sales team gets a proper education as much as possible by enrolling them in sales training courses and assisting them learn about Outdoor Furniture items by allowing them to visit the factories.
Get in touch with us to be a business partner
20- Can I sign up to be on a mailing list to receive notifications about new products, sales, or special promotions in the future?
ask your Supplier about the new trends in the market is a step ahead of the competition.
Plus, be the first to enjoy the special offers.
21- Do you support any charities or non-profit organizations?
You will feel better knowing that part of your money goes to charity.
22- Ask if you can follow their company on social media.
You can be a stalker. Watch what they, post about, and how they interact with their customers, are they just “selling selling selling” without the intention of helping others?
23- Are any of your products featured in magazines or online publications? If so, can you send me links to these articles so I can check them out?
Even If you find a factory or wholesaler that can reach this level of quality, I don’t believe you would be satisfied with their pricing. (Mostly)
#2: Questions about the factory and the production
Next up prepare yourself to go a bit deeper and start to ask about the products.
This will help ensure that you are getting a quality product.
24- Where is your factory?
Once you know where the factory is located, you can google it and find out the actual location if it’s real or something else (Avoid Frauds)
25- When are you next due for a Factory Audit?
Asking about Factory Audits can help you ensure that the supplier has a strong quality assurance process.
26- How much time do I have if I need to cancel my order?
If you need to cancel your order, you’ll want to know how much time you have to do so.
27- Can we use a third-party inspector?
Before handing over your money, ask whether you can use a high-quality third-party inspector to inspect your items before purchasing.
If they refused, there’s probably something fishy going on.
Most furniture retailers (Busy people) can’t travel to China or other countries to take care of the importing process.
28- What is the main furniture manufacturing process for the Product?
Poorly made furniture can be dangerous, especially if it’s made with flimsy materials.
Ask about the manufacturing process, you can get a better idea of the quality of the furniture.
You can also ask about any certifications or guarantees the supplier offers.
29- Are any of your products made from recycled materials?
Furniture made from recycled materials is a great choice because it helps reduce waste and is environmentally friendly.
Additionally, recycled materials are often cheaper than traditional materials, so you can save money while helping the environment.
Here are the Top 6 brands that make eco-friendly furniture:
1- Noho
2- Mater
3- Sabai
4- Emeco
5- POLYWOOD
6- VivaTerra
30- Are there any parts that are subcontracted out? If so, which parts?
Is the project being executed by a third party? or is it only you (the supplier) working on it?
31- Can you add our company logo to the packaging?
They must…
32- What are their main products?
Furniture manufacturers mainly focus on a few types of Furniture.
33- What is their leading time? How long does the production take? (ask for average time)
Ask your Furniture Supplier what happens if they pass the deadline for the production lead time.
Time is money, and you planned months for your order, you can’t accept any delays; it’s 100% your right.
That’s why in Yoho, we value every client’s time; we give back a full deposit if we can’t keep our promise, which means the client pays ZERO dollars. (No minus sum of money)
34- Do you do customized orders?
If you have a specific design in mind, you will need to work with a supplier who can create a piece that meets your specifications.
Make your own brand’s unique products and shine among your competitors.
Do you want Yoho Outdoor to be your Outdoor Furniture Supplier?
35- What materials will be used to make this furniture?
After knowing the materials made to construct your Furniture, You can get a sense of what you’re actually paying for.
You may also be able to negotiate a better price if the supplier knows that you’re aware of the cost of different materials.
36- Where they will use those materials in the furniture?
Knowing where the materials are used can help you make a more informed purchase decision.
37- What are the Furniture measurements in ft/in/cm/mm?
Being aware of the exact measurements ensures the furniture will fit in the space you have designated or for shipping in the container.
Also, knowing the measurements can help you compare prices between different suppliers.
38- Who are your manufacturers, and how do they rate social responsibility? (if they are suppliers)
You want to be sure that the Furniture is made responsibly, respecting the environment and the people who made it.
Get a better idea of what kind of company you’re dealing with and whether they share your values.
39- Ask your Supplier what are they doing to move towards more sustainable practices with packaging, materials, and production methods.
We are always looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact.
We use recycled materials whenever possible and have some sustainable practices, including reducing our packaging waste and using energy-efficient production methods.
MAKE SURE YOUR SUPPLIER DOES TOO!
#3: Questions about the sample for Furniture
Ask your Supplier about:
sending a few samples before you place the big order.
40- Do you offer free shipping on samples?
Ask your Furniture wholesaler if you could receive your samples quickly and without added expense.
41- How many samples can I order?
Some suppliers and manufacturers have a limit on how many samples you can order.
Break the limit and ask for more samples from different types of products.
At the end of the day, your final order will be huge, make sure everything is perfect.
Bad it is for retailers to place orders without getting to KNOW the quality of the furniture.
42- How much does a sample for [Product] cost?
Know the cost, compare it to different factories and suppliers, and then choose what suits you.
43- What are your sample terms and conditions?
Ask this question to get a sense of the supplier’s business practices and what to expect if things go wrong. For example, the sample terms and conditions provided can give you an idea of the supplier’s liability in the event of a problem. It is important to have a clear understanding of these before signing any agreement.
44- What is the process for ordering a sample?
Is it Cash On Delivery? Air or Sea? How many days will it take to arrive?
Here’s a guide made by Sumner and Ali:
45- Will the cost of the sample be conducted when I place an order?
In Yoho, we charge higher for the sample, but when the client place order we conduct it.
For example, the product is $120 a wholesale price, but the sample is $250.
Later when the client pays for a full order we conduct the extra $130 paid for the sample from the whole order.
#4: Questions about the Furniture Warranty and Quality
46- How long is the warranty?
Usually, the Furniture will have a warranty of at least 2 years and sometimes even as long as 10 years or more. It all depends on the brand, the type of Furniture, and how the manufacturer made it.
(In Yoho, we offer a 2 to 5 years warranty for some of our products)
The materials used to make the Furniture are also critical to consider when looking for a quality piece.
Durability varies depending on what material was used in construction – such as higher-grade marine grade metals that won’t rust over time, aluminum instead of cheap steel, etc.
For example, for chaise lounges, good brands offer sling seat fabrics with UV protection against sun damage which can lead to brittle and cracking over time without protection from the fabric cover.
Plus, ask your Supplier about whether the Outdoor lounge chair uses blowers or inflators – which can be a hassle to keep up with for replacement.
Sometimes cheaper brands will cut corners on the quality of their materials to save money, which is reflected in the warranty length.
47- What type of warranty do you offer on your furniture? And what is covered under warranty?
Outdoor Furniture is often exposed to the elements, so it’s important to know what is covered under warranty in case of any damage.
Most warranties will cover manufacturing defects but may not cover damage from weather or accidents.
It’s also important to know how long the warranty lasts, as most warranties are valid for a specific amount of time.
48- What does the warranty cover?
Find out exactly what is covered under the furniture’s warranty. Some warranties only cover manufacturing defects, while others may cover normal wear and tear accidental damage, or even fading from sunlight exposure.
It is important to know exactly what is covered to make an informed decision about your purchase.
49- What is not covered by the warranty?
As with anything, there will always be some exceptions to the rule. When it comes to furniture warranties, there are usually a few things not covered.
These can include damage from pets, damage from the weather (such as sun fading or water stains), and intentional damage.
It’s important to be aware of what is not covered to avoid any surprises down the road.
Read how to protect plastic chairs from fading.
50- What materials will you be using to package the furniture?
This is because the quality of the materials used can affect the lifespan of your furniture.
For example, if the furniture is packaged in low-quality materials, it may not be able to withstand exposure to weather conditions and could succumb to rot or decay sooner than pieces that are packaged using better quality materials.
51- Do you sell any furniture covers or other protection products that I can use to extend the life of my furniture?
Outdoor furniture is often exposed to the elements and can get damaged over time.
Outdoor Furniture covers can help protect your furniture from the rain, wind, snow, and other harsh weather conditions. They can also help keep your furniture clean and looking new for longer.
52- Are there any cleaning or care products that you recommend I use on my furniture?
Same as above (to help keep the furniture clean and neat)
53- Do I need to register my purchase with your company in order to activate the warranty?
If questions about your warranty are not answered clearly from the purchase agreement, it’s worth asking questions.
You may need to register with the manufacturer of the furniture or register within a certain period of time to activate the warranty.
www.stuff.co.nz/do-you-really-need-to-activate-product-manufacturers-warranties
54- If I need to claim a warranty, what is the process, and how long will it take to resolve?
To get the best customer service during a warranty claim, it is important to stay informed.
55- Who pays for shipping on order repairs or replacements?
Ask your Furniture Supplier or wholesaler if they are responsible for shipping charges and ask about your delivery date and installation process so that nothing falls through the cracks.
56- If a defective product caused damage to an area other than my original purchase location, am I also covered for that damage?
If a defect in the product causes damage, you may be covered even if the damage is not at the original purchase location.
57- How do I go about making a product repair with you? Is this something handled between me (the customer) and whoever made my furniture?
When it comes to making a product repair, it’s best to know exactly who you should be working with.
By asking this question, you can ensure a clear line of communication between you and the supplier. This will help to avoid any confusion or miscommunication.
58- What is the maximum quality level they can achieve?
What are their qualifications, and how high the furniture quality is?
59- Before shipping, can I inspect the furniture to ensure the quality I paid for?
As we mentioned above, it’s better to hire a third-party inspector if you can’t travel to the factory by yourself.
Plus, if they refused to let you inspect… Don’t you even think about keeping in touch with them, (RED FLAG)
Check out some of the best Chinese inspecting companies.
#5: Furniture Return and Exchange policies
Be clear about Returns Policies before you get in trouble after hearing some weird policies from their end
60- What is the return policy for their furniture? Can I exchange it for something else or receive a refund?
When purchasing any large item, it’s important to know what the return policy is in case you need to exchange the product or get a refund.
The Furniture Supplier should be able to tell you what their policy is and how to go about returning or exchanging the furniture if necessary.
This will help you to be sure that you are able to get a refund or exchange if you are not happy with your purchase.
61- How long do I have to make a decision about returning or exchanging an item?
Furniture can be a significant investment. Find out how long you have if you plan to return or exchange items.
62- Are there any restocking fees associated with returns or exchanges?
A restocking fee is generally the difference in cost between your purchase price, the cost to ship back to us, and any damaged parts that need replacement.
Restocking fees may apply regardless if products have been used outside of their intended use such as using furniture indoors or outdoors, items must not be stained by mold or mildew, and significant scratches on wood surfaces are examples.
63- Who pays for shipping costs associated with returns or exchanges?
If you are not happy with your purchase, it is important to know who is responsible for the costs associated with returning or exchanging the furniture.
Sometimes, the supplier will cover these costs, but other times, you may be responsible for them.
Are you looking for a Reliable Outdoor Furniture Supplier? Get in touch for wholesale outdoor furniture, we deliver worldwide (Inside the planet only, we are not Elon Musk)
64- How soon can I expect to receive my refund once I have returned an item?
When you are considering returning an item, it’s important to inquire about the refund process and timelines. This will help ensure that you are able to get your money back as quickly as possible.
65- Can you help me choose the right Furniture for my unique needs and budget?
A good vendor would definitely help out without hesitation. Some furniture retailers already studied their market and well aware of what works and what doesn’t.
#6: Questions about the Shipping for Outdoor Furniture
ask your Furniture Supplier every little detail about
the trip your products will take on the sea before they reach you.
66- Do you also help with shipping?
You’ll want someone who can take care of the entire process, from ordering to delivery.
Ask this question to be sure that you’re working with a company that can provide everything you need.
67- How will my furniture be delivered to me?
To ensure you know the delivery cost ahead of time and to be sure they are insured so your furniture is delivered safely.
How will my furniture be delivered to me? To keep your pieces in pristine condition, make sure the shipping company has adequate insurance coverage for damage sustained during transit.
Your furniture supplier should have already provided a shipping quote or at least questions about transport that cause concern.
68- How can I track my shipment after it has left your facilities?
Any reputable Furniture Supplier should be able to provide you with a way to track your shipment after it has left their facilities.
This allows you to stay updated on the status of your order and know when to expect delivery.
69- What type of shipping container will you be using?
– Shipping containers typically range in size from 20 ft to 48 ft, and the smaller the dimensions, the more cost-efficient it becomes.
A common thing a furniture supplier might want to know ahead of time is what size they need.
– The second reason is that different containers work better for specific types of items – larger ones are great for heavy things like major appliances, while small ones are good for tables or other light furniture pieces.
70- Do you offer free shipping on any Furniture purchases?
When you are looking to purchase Furniture, it is important to ask questions about the shipping process. This is because you want to make sure that you are getting the best deal possible.
Free shipping is always a plus, so be sure to ask your Furniture Supplier if they offer this service.
71- If free shipping is not available, how much will it cost to have my items shipped?
If free shipping is not available, ask how much will it cost to have your items shipped.
This way, you can compare prices and make the best decision for your needs.
72- When can I expect to receive my furniture once it has been shipped?
It is always critical to know how long it will take for your furniture to be shipped so that you can plan your order accordingly.
73- Do you ship internationally? If so, how much will it cost to ship my purchase to my country?
Shipping internationally can be costly and it is important to understand all the associated costs before making a purchase.
74- What are the customs and import taxes I will need to pay in order to receive my purchase?
Your purchase will likely be shipped to the country you are in, and a customs charge will be applied.
It’s very important to ask how much this custom fee is going to cost beforehand, in order to avoid any surprises once it arrives at your doorstep.
Otherwise, the package could end up being sent back.
75- What is the furniture’s weight and volume per piece?
Different products have different weights so get clear about the weight and volume per package when pricing out an order.
Even if you set the cost per pound at $5, you can end up paying more if the product weighs 20 pounds rather than 10 pounds.
76- What is the weight limit of each carrier type that may be used in shipment options offered by [Company]?
Weight limit is a very important question that should be asked in order to ensure the carrier type you are using will cause no damage during shipment.
In Yoho, we pride ourselves on our careful shipping of all orders. We offer many different ways of shipping your products, and it’s important to note the weight limits for each carrier.
This will help customers determine which way they would prefer to ship their products based on an informed decision and whether or not our method will be able to accommodate them.
77- How many different types of furniture can I purchase from you to put into a single container?
When you are trying to figure out how much Furniture to purchase, it’s helpful to ask how many different types of pieces you can put in a single container.
Or if you want to test the market, we could help you arrange one container that contains different types of products.
That way, you can get an idea of how much space everything will take up and whether the furniture will fit your needs.
Wise furniture retailers would definitely test their market first.
78- From what port will you be shipping the Furniture?
Knowing the port from which your furniture will be shipped can give you an idea of when you can expect it to arrive.
Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns about the order, you will know where to direct them.
#7: Questions about the Furniture Company’s sales
79- What are your total overseas sales?
Knowing a company’s total overseas sales can help you get a clearer idea of how established they are and what volume they’re used to managing.
This is crucial for determining whether or not they’re a successful and established business that can make you value.
80- What Furniture product do you mainly sell to my market?
Getting a sense of what the company sells to your target market may help you in determining whether they have experience with the goods you’re thinking of selling.
This is critical for ensuring that your chosen supplier is a good fit for your business.
You’ll also be able to determine if their area of specialty matches yours.
E-commerce site owners would be interested in knowing which products are well sold in their market.
81- Which furniture product do you recommend for the [country] market?
Different materials will withstand different weather conditions.
For example, if you live in a humid climate, you will want to choose high-quality furniture made from a material that does not easily absorb moisture.
Which product would be best suited for your climate? They will recommend a product that will withstand the weather conditions in your region.
82- How often do you run sales or offer promotions on your Furniture?
Get an idea of how often they offer discounts on their furniture.
This can help you decide whether or not to wait for a sale before making your purchase.
83- Do you have any new products or collections that I might be interested in?
Get a sneak peek at any new products or collections your Furniture Supplier may have.
This way, you can stay ahead of the curve and be sure to get the latest and greatest designs when they become available.
#8: Questions about the Furniture Orders Payments
Ask about:
the payments ahead, to be clear and avoid misconceptions.
84- FOB/EXW Price for MOQ?
A business owner should always get an overview of trade practices before finalizing agreements with suppliers so as not to find themselves unaware of what they’re getting into.
When you are talking to a Furniture wholesaler or supplier, they might offer a “Free on Board, Ex-Work” price for orders that are much smaller than what they usually sell things for. This is a good deal, but if you want something that is not as big as the Free On Board, Ex-Work order quantity, then the price will be higher and more in line with what you would expect to pay.
85- Are there any hidden or extra costs for the order?
It’s important to ask this question because hidden or extra costs can quickly add up, and you may end up paying more than you expected.
Get a better idea and prepare your budget accordingly.
86- If the furniture is not up to standard will you issue a refund?
Or at least exchange the Furniture.
Here in Yoho, if our Outdoor Furniture did not reach your expectations and quality standards we are ready to return it and give your money back.
87- Does the price include taxes?
Find out what the prices are including.
88- How long is the quoted rate valid for?
Make sure that the quoted rate is valid for the amount of time you want it.
This can either be a one-time purchase or you may want to take advantage of an extended payment plan (that’s becoming more common).
#9: General Questions
89- Can you send me a copy of your latest catalog so I can browse through your products?
To see what kind of products they offer, what categories they have.
90- How often do you release new products or collections?
It’s important to keep up with the latest trends in furniture, as this is what your guests and customers will be expecting to see when they come over.
91- What is their MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)?
Ask your Furniture Supplier for a MOQ and order a few pieces to test your market first, before making any big steps.
92- Can I see pictures of some of your products displayed in various settings?
It’s important to consider where the furniture will be placed.
Pictures can give you a good idea of how the furniture will look in your backyard or patio.
93- How do I know what size of furniture will work best in my outdoor space?
It is worth getting some help in determining your space and then measuring.
Measure the area you are planning on putting the item into, how wide it is, and how deep it is.
Once this has been completed then you will be able to determine exactly what size furniture would suit your needs!
94- Are you fully licensed, insured, and bonded?
If they cannot prove this, for your own safety be careful.
95- How many different series do you have?
This will give you a good idea of the variety of options available to you and help you find the perfect set for your needs.
By choosing a supplier with a wide range of series, you’ll be able to find something with high-quality that matches your style and fits within your budget.
96- what importing furniture regulations do you have for my country?
When importing furniture, it’s important to be aware of the relevant regulations for your country.
This question will help you to understand what rules your supplier must follow when manufacturing and shipping your furniture.
It can also help you to assess the quality and compliance of their products.
97- Do you have any questions for me?
The question shows that you’re interested in their business and that you’re willing to build a relationship with them.
Plus, it gives them a chance to understand your needs better, therefore providing you with what could profit you the best results.
So, do you have any questions for us??
Find Out How we at Yoho Outdoor Furniture Make Value to Our Clients and Help them Enjoy the Importing Journey from China.
