(SECTION 1) : Scope & Coverage - Do you help identify new suppliers, or only verify existing ones?
We primarily support buyers by verifying and assessing suppliers they are already considering. This ensures decisions are based on real, on-ground validation rather than assumptions. In select cases, we may assist with preliminary supplier identification, but our core role is independent evaluation and advisory support — not acting as a sourcing agent or intermediary.
Which product categories do you support for sourcing and verification?
We work across a broad range of product categories including eco & lifestyle goods, décor, textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, herbal wellness, food & agro products, furniture, stationery, and light engineering items. If your category is not listed, we can still evaluate feasibility as long as it is ethically sourceable and practically verifiable.
Are your services available across India (major cities and remote clusters)?
Yes. Our on-ground coverage spans major manufacturing cities as well as remote production clusters across India. The geographic scope is defined based on your requirement and assignment complexity.
Do you support private-label or customized branding projects?
Yes. We regularly support buyers working on private-label, customized, or buyer-specific product requirements by validating supplier capability, production readiness, quality controls, and packaging compliance.
(SECTION 2) : Verification, Assessments & Compliance - Do you conduct factory visits and independent on-site verification checks?
Yes. We conduct planned, independent on-site visits to verify supplier authenticity, infrastructure, production capability, workforce presence, and operational reality. Our approach is professional, transparent, and focused on observation, validation, and factual reporting.
Can you verify certifications like ISO, BIS, CE, GOTS, Fair Trade, FDA, or REACH?
We verify the existence, relevance, and applicability of claimed certifications by reviewing documents, cross-checking issuing bodies where possible, and validating whether certifications genuinely apply to the product or facility in question.
Can you arrange independent lab testing through accredited labs?
Yes. Where required, we can help coordinate product testing through independent, accredited laboratories based on your specifications or regulatory needs. Test scope, standards, and costs are discussed and approved in advance.
Can you assess ethical and social compliance (worker safety, welfare, and environmental practices)?
We assess key ethical and social compliance indicators during on-ground evaluations, including basic worker safety, welfare conditions, and environmental handling practices. Our findings are reported objectively to help buyers understand potential risks or gaps.
What documents do you review during a Vendor Authenticity Check?
Depending on scope, this may include business registrations, factory licenses, ownership details, export records, certification documents, sample invoices, and other relevant operational records required to validate authenticity and capability.
What happens if a supplier refuses inspection or limits access?
Any refusal, restriction, or inconsistency is clearly documented and communicated to the buyer. Limited access itself is treated as a risk indicator, allowing buyers to make informed decisions before committing further.
(SECTION 3) : Quality & Packaging - What kind of quality inspections do you perform (pre-production, in-process, pre-shipment)?
We support different inspection stages based on buyer needs, including pre-production readiness checks, in-process observations, and pre-shipment verification to assess conformity against agreed specifications and expectations.
Can you create a customized inspection checklist based on our specifications?
Yes. Inspection checklists are aligned with your product specifications, quality parameters, packaging requirements, and risk priorities to ensure relevant and actionable reporting.
Can you supervise sample development or pre-production samples before mass production?
Yes. We can review and verify pre-production or development samples to confirm alignment with agreed specifications before buyers proceed with bulk production.
Can you verify packaging compliance as per our retailer or country requirements?
Yes. We verify packaging configuration, labeling, material usage, and basic compliance against buyer-shared requirements or destination-specific guidelines where applicable.
Can you independently observe container loading or palletization and provide documentation?
Yes. Where required, we can independently observe container loading or palletization and provide photo or video documentation to offer visibility into dispatch-stage handling.
(SECTION 4) : Logistics, Post-Dispatch & Issue Handling - Do you assist with logistics and shipping coordination if we use our own forwarder?
Yes. We can coordinate and communicate with your appointed forwarder to support documentation flow, loading coordination, and issue clarification without acting as a logistics provider.
What exactly does Post-Dispatch Support include?
Post-dispatch support may include follow-ups with suppliers, document clarification, coordination assistance, and issue communication support based on the agreed scope.
If issues arise after arrival (defects, damages, or short supply), can you help with the supplier?
Yes. We can assist by independently reviewing facts, facilitating communication, and helping buyers engage suppliers professionally. Resolution outcomes remain commercial decisions between buyer and supplier.
(SECTION 5) : Process, Timelines & Commercials - How quickly can you start, and what’s the typical turnaround time?
Timelines depend on scope, location, and complexity. In most cases, we can begin preliminary review shortly after scope confirmation, with on-ground activities scheduled based on feasibility and urgency.
What information do you need from us to begin a case?
Typically, we require supplier details, product information, sourcing stage, specific concerns, and the type of verification or support needed to define a clear scope of work.
Do you work on per-task pricing or retainers for ongoing programs?
We work on defined professional fees based on scope. This may be per-assignment or retainer-based for ongoing or multi-location programs.
What payment methods/currencies and invoicing terms do you support?
Payment terms, currencies, and invoicing structure are discussed transparently at the engagement stage and aligned with the scope of work.
(SECTION 6) : Neutrality, Confidentiality & Trust - Are you a sourcing agent, trader, or commission-based intermediary?
No. Source With Trust® works exclusively on the buyer’s side. We do not sell products, represent suppliers, or earn commissions from vendors. Our role is independent verification and advisory support.
Do you take any commission from suppliers or only charge the buyer?
Never from suppliers.
We represent the buyer’s interest only, and our reports stay completely unbiased.
All charges are transparently billed to the buyer—no hidden costs, no dual commissions.
What deliverables do we receive after a verification or site visit?
Buyers receive a structured report aligned with the agreed scope, which may include factual observations, photo evidence, document checks, and independent risk insights to support decision-making.
Do you guarantee supplier performance or outcomes?
No. We do not guarantee supplier performance, production outcomes, or commercial success. Our role is to provide accurate, independent insights so buyers can make informed decisions with reduced risk.
Will you sign an NDA, and how do you protect our data and IP?
Yes. We respect confidentiality and can sign NDAs where required. All information shared is handled strictly for verification and advisory purposes only.
What makes Source With Trust™ different from other sourcing or inspection agencies?
We are buyer-first, independent, and non-commission-based. Our focus is not transactions, but clarity — helping buyers verify reality on the ground before committing money, production, or reputation.