7 Questions to Ask Before Ordering from an Indian Linen Exporter

7 Questions to Ask Before Ordering from an Indian Linen Exporter

The question "how much per piece?" is the wrong first question. These seven questions should precede any price discussion.

Question 1: Can I See Your IEC Number and OEKO-TEX Certificate?

IEC is verifiable at dgft.gov.in; OEKO-TEX certificate number at oeko-tex.com. A legitimate manufacturer provides these immediately.

Question 2: Will You Send a Physical Sample Made from the Production Yarn?

**Good answer**: "Yes, from the same yarn batch as production." **Red flag**: "We'll send a representative sample" without production-batch commitment.

Question 3: What is Your AQL Standard for Pre-Shipment Inspection?

AQL 2.5 is the hotel industry standard. **Good answer**: "We inspect all export orders to AQL 2.5. Third-party inspection (SGS, Bureau Veritas) is welcome." **Red flag**: Resistance to third-party inspection.

Question 4: What are Your Payment Terms?

Standard is 30% advance + 70% against shipping documents. **Red flag**: 100% advance required, or unusual payment routing.

Question 5: What is Your Production Lead Time?

Realistic answer: "30–40 days production from advance payment receipt." **Red flag**: "We can deliver whenever you need" — signals a trading company with no manufacturing control.

Question 6: What Happens if the Bulk Doesn't Match the Sample?

**Good answer**: "We resolve it via re-production, price credit, or return and replacement at our cost." **Red flag**: "We guarantee quality" with no specific dispute resolution commitment.

Question 7: Can We Arrange a Video Factory Tour?

A supplier who refuses almost certainly does not own or control the factory. **Good answer**: "Absolutely — when would you like to schedule it?"

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A manufacturer who answers all seven questions immediately, provides documentation for questions 1–4, and welcomes the factory tour is demonstrably different from a trading intermediary or low-quality spot supplier.

To get all seven answers from Anabyn immediately, [request a supplier introduction call](/request-quote).