| 1. Vehicle Fitment Coverage | Range of vehicle applications, arm interfaces, blade lengths, and regional vehicle coverage. | Current application catalogue, vehicle fitment data, adapter list, and sample part numbers for priority markets. | Cross-check a sample of applications against reliable vehicle data. Confirm that the listed connector and blade length match each application. |
| 2. MOQ and Order Flexibility | Minimum order quantity by SKU, adapter, packaging option, and private-label configuration. | Written MOQ schedule showing any differences between standard products, customized products, and mixed-SKU orders. | Compare the quoted MOQ with forecast demand, trial-order needs, and the cost of holding inventory across multiple fitments. |
| 3. Production Lead Time | Quoted production time for samples, repeat orders, and orders requiring custom packaging or tooling. | Order-to-shipment schedule, sample timeline, production capacity statement, and written confirmation of the lead-time starting point. | Clarify whether lead time begins after deposit, artwork approval, or final specification approval. Check peak-season assumptions separately. |
| 4. Warranty and Claims Handling | Warranty period, coverage conditions, exclusions, and the process for investigating product complaints. | Written warranty policy, claim documentation requirements, defect investigation procedure, and proposed remedy options. | Confirm the warranty start date, treatment of installation-related issues, evidence required for claims, and response process for recurring defects. |
| 5. Quality Management Controls | Whether production and inspection activities are controlled and documented consistently. | Quality-management certificates where applicable, inspection plans, incoming-material checks, in-process checks, and final inspection records. | Verify certificate validity and scope with the issuing body where possible. Ask how nonconforming batches are identified and contained. |
| 6. Product and Material Specifications | Consistency of the blade strip, frame or support structure, connectors, and exposed materials. | Product specification sheets, material declarations, approved component list, and change-control procedure. | Request written notice and approval requirements for changes to materials, suppliers, tooling, or product dimensions. |
| 7. Functional and Durability Testing | Testing relevant to wipe quality, fit, operation, and resistance to environmental conditions. | Test methods, sample test reports, acceptance criteria, and details of the test equipment or external laboratory used. | Check that test conditions and acceptance limits are documented and relevant to the intended vehicle, climate, and market. |
| 8. Traceability and Corrective Action | Ability to trace finished goods to production records and investigate quality issues. | Batch or date coding examples, traceability records, complaint logs, root-cause reports, and corrective-action records. | Ask the supplier to demonstrate how a selected production batch can be traced through inspection and material records. |
| 9. Packaging and Label Compliance | Protection during transport and accuracy of labels, barcodes, and market-specific information. | Packaging drawings, carton specifications, label samples, barcode format, and any required language or recycling information. | Approve packaging artwork and label data before production. Confirm carton dimensions and packing quantities for the planned shipment. |
| 10. Export Readiness and Delivery Terms | Experience preparing export documents and meeting the buyer’s requested shipping arrangements. | Quotation with named Incoterms® 2020 rule and place, packing list sample, commercial invoice details, and shipment schedule. | Confirm responsibilities for freight, insurance, customs documentation, and delivery milestones before placing the order. |