How To Check If A Product Supplier Is Legit?
-
What Is the Social Media Loop and Why Does It Matter?
-
Other Trust Signals to Look For
-
Conclusion
Disclosure: Hi! It's Vova :) Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. I get a commission if you purchase after clicking on the link, this does not cost you more money, and many times I can even get a nice discount for you. This helps me keep the content free forever. For you. Thank you! :)
Think the supplier you found online is the real deal?
Figuring out if they’re trustworthy can feel like trying to solve a mystery.
But here’s the good news: I’ve got a simple trick to make it easier.
It’s called the Social Media Loop. We'll talk about this cool method in this blog post.
This little hack can help you quickly check if a supplier is legit and save you from potential headaches.
Not only that, but I’ll also share other clues to look for when browsing supplier websites.
These tips are designed to help you feel confident and make smart choices without overthinking.
Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Oleg Kuzmenkov from Seller Assistant, who shared some fantastic advice on how to vet product suppliers.
What Is the Social Media Loop and Why Does It Matter?
The Social Media Loop is an easy way to check if a supplier’s website is genuine.
Here’s how it works:
1. Scroll to the Footer: Start by visiting the supplier’s website and scrolling to the bottom of the page. Look for social media links like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
2. Visit the Social Media Page: Click on one of these links to open the supplier’s social media page. Check if the page is active — it should have regular posts, a decent number of likes or followers, and relevant content such as offers or updates.
3. Check for the Loop: This is where the magic happens. On the supplier’s social media page, look for their website link. Click on it. If it brings you back to the original supplier’s website, that’s a good sign. It’s called a loop because it connects the social media page back to the site, confirming their legitimacy.
Why is this important?
Because anyone can slap a fake social media link on a website.
The loop ensures that the social media account and website are connected and managed by the same organization.
Related Read: How To Find The Best Chinese Supplier For Your Products?
Other Trust Signals to Look For
While the Social Media Loop is a fantastic first step, there are additional trust signals that can further confirm if a supplier is legit.
Here’s what to look for:
1. PayPal Payment Option: Suppliers that accept PayPal provide an extra layer of security. PayPal’s buyer protection helps you avoid scams by refunding your money if something goes wrong.
2. Contact Information: Look for a phone number, email address, or live chat option. If you can reach out to the supplier and get a timely response, that’s a positive sign.
3. Active Customer Support: If the website offers live chat support, test it. A responsive chat system is often an indicator of a reliable supplier.
Relevant Content: Where To Look For Chinese Suppliers?
Conclusion
Verifying a supplier’s legitimacy doesn’t have to be complicated.
With the Social Media Loop and a few additional trust signals like PayPal acceptance and responsive customer support, you can feel more confident in your choices.
These simple steps will help you avoid scammers and build reliable partnerships for your business.
Ready to put this into practice?
Next time you’re evaluating a supplier, follow these steps and see how much easier it becomes to spot the real deals from the fake ones.
Happy sourcing!
P.S. This insightful tip was shared by Oleg Kuzmenkov from Seller Assistant App. We discussed it on my channel while talking about finding great products for reselling on Amazon.
-
What Is the Social Media Loop and Why Does It Matter?
-
Other Trust Signals to Look For
-
Conclusion
Disclosure: Hi! It's Vova :) Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. I get a commission if you purchase after clicking on the link, this does not cost you more money, and many times I can even get a nice discount for you. This helps me keep the content free forever. For you. Thank you! :)