| 1 | Check supplier reliability | Confirm the supplier’s legal business identity, production or sourcing role, export experience, communication process, and ability to handle your order volume. | Business registration details, a written company profile, export references where available, and a clear quotation naming the responsible contracting party. | Use a video call or other verifiable contact method, and ensure the quoted seller, invoice issuer, and payment beneficiary are consistent or their relationship is explained. |
| 2 | Define the tape construction | Clarify the backing material, adhesive type, tape width and length, roll core dimensions, and whether the product is printed, colored, or coated. | A product specification sheet and a physical sample. Ask the supplier to state the material composition rather than relying on the term “washi” alone. | Compare the sample and written specification; do not assume that a product described as “washi” has a particular fiber content or construction without confirmation. |
| 3 | Inspect print and color quality | Review artwork alignment, edge definition, color consistency, opacity, repeat length, and print appearance on the actual tape material. | A production-representative sample, approved artwork proof, and documented color reference or agreed visual standard. | Check samples under consistent lighting and compare several rolls. Screen colors can differ from printed results, so approve a physical sample for important color-sensitive designs. |
| 4 | Test adhesion and removability | Confirm the intended use and expected balance between holding power, repositionability, and clean removal. Performance can vary by surface, application, and storage conditions. | Supplier test information, the stated test method and conditions, and samples for testing on the surfaces relevant to your product. | Apply the tape to representative surfaces and check initial tack, edge lift, residue, and removal after an agreed dwell time. If using a peel test such as ASTM D3330, agree on the test conditions and substrate. |
| 5 | Agree measurable specifications | Set acceptable tolerances for width, length, core size, roll appearance, and other purchase-critical characteristics. | A signed specification or purchase-order attachment listing measurement methods, units, tolerances, and how nonconforming goods will be handled. | Measure incoming samples using the agreed method. Avoid relying on undefined terms such as “standard size” or “premium quality.” |
| 6 | Review artwork and intellectual property | Confirm that you have the right to use supplied artwork and that custom designs, fonts, illustrations, and licensed elements are cleared for the intended markets. | Written artwork approval, documented ownership or license permissions where applicable, and a final proof showing the approved design. | Check spelling, color references, repeat alignment, and cut or print boundaries before production. Keep the approved proof with the purchase records. |
| 7 | Assess packaging and shipping readiness | Review individual roll packaging, labels, carton protection, carton quantities, shipping marks, and packaging requirements for the destination market. | Packaging drawings or photos, a carton-packing list, shipping dimensions and gross weight, and label artwork when required. | Request a packed sample or clear packing photos. Confirm that rolls are protected from dust, moisture, crushing, and adhesive contamination during transit. |
| 8 | Verify applicable certifications and claims | Identify requirements based on the destination market, product composition, packaging, and sales claims. A management-system certificate does not by itself certify an individual tape product. | Copies of relevant, current certificates or test reports, the issuing body, scope, validity dates, and confirmation that the documents cover the specific product or facility as claimed. | Verify documents with the issuing organization where possible. Treat claims such as recycled content, responsible sourcing, or regulatory compliance as claims that need appropriate supporting evidence. |
| 9 | Check production capacity and quality control | Ask how the supplier checks incoming materials, print consistency, roll dimensions, adhesion, defects, and batch traceability. | A written inspection plan, sample inspection records, defect criteria, and an explanation of how production lots are identified. | Agree on pre-shipment inspection criteria and sampling arrangements before production. Keep a retained approved sample as a reference for the delivered batch. |
| 10 | Compare total cost and order terms | Review unit price alongside setup charges, sample costs, minimum order quantity, lead time, payment terms, delivery terms, and possible rework or replacement arrangements. | A detailed quotation and purchase order stating specifications, quantity, currency, delivery schedule, agreed trade term, inspection requirements, and remedies for nonconforming goods. | Compare offers on the same specification and delivery basis. Confirm the production schedule and approval milestones in writing before paying a deposit. |