| Product specification clarity | Confirm dimensions, materials, light modes, color options, included accessories, and product variations. | Specifications should be complete, consistent across the quotation and sample, and stated in measurable units. | Dated specification sheet, product drawings, bill of materials, and a signed sample approval record. | 14% |
| Solar panel performance | Check panel type, rated power, dimensions, charging conditions, and the method used to measure output. | Compare the stated rating with independent measurements or a documented test. Charging time depends on sunlight, panel orientation, and weather. | Panel datasheet and test results showing measurement conditions and output. | 10% |
| Battery specification and safety | Verify battery chemistry, rated voltage and capacity, replaceability, charging protection, and supplier traceability. | Capacity should be specified in mAh or Wh; confirm that the sample’s battery matches the quoted specification. | Battery datasheet, incoming inspection records, and applicable safety test reports. For lithium batteries, request UN 38.3 test documentation for transport where applicable. | 10% |
| Lighting runtime | Test operating time after a full charge in the actual lighting mode and brightness setting. | Set a runtime requirement for the intended use; compare results under the same charge, temperature, and operating conditions. | Repeatable runtime test records and a pre-shipment inspection sample. | 10% |
| Outdoor protection | Assess resistance to rain, dust, corrosion, and temperature exposure for the intended installation environment. | Request an IP rating supported by test evidence. Under IEC 60529, IP44 indicates protection against solid objects 1 mm and larger and splashing water; IP65 indicates dust-tight protection and water jets. Choose a rating appropriate to use. | IP test report for the finished product or relevant assembly, plus material and corrosion-test information where applicable. | 10% |
| Market compliance | Identify the destination market and determine which product, electrical, chemical, labeling, and packaging rules apply. | Compliance requirements depend on the destination and product configuration; do not rely on a generic “CE” or “RoHS” claim without supporting documents. | Applicable declarations, test reports, technical documentation, and product labels for the target market. | 10% |
| Quality control process | Review incoming-material checks, in-process inspection, final inspection, defect handling, and batch traceability. | The supplier should explain inspection stages and agree on written acceptance criteria before production. | Quality procedures, sample inspection records, corrective-action examples, and a proposed inspection checklist. | 8% |
| Sample-to-production consistency | Compare the approved sample with production materials, finish, light output, packaging, and accessories. | Approve a “golden sample” and require production to match it; document any approved changes. | Signed sample, version-controlled specifications, and a pre-shipment sample or inspection report. | 7% |
| MOQ and quotation transparency | Compare minimum order quantity, unit pricing, tooling charges, sample fees, payment terms, and price breaks. | Request a like-for-like quotation with currency, Incoterm, packaging, and all additional charges stated. | Itemized quotation and written confirmation of payment and order terms. | 6% |
| Production capacity and lead time | Check current capacity, production schedule, peak-season planning, and the definition of the quoted lead time. | Lead time should be stated from a defined starting point, such as deposit receipt or approved artwork, and confirmed for the order quantity. | Production schedule, capacity statement, and written delivery milestones. | 5% |
| Packaging and shipping readiness | Review retail packaging, carton strength, labeling, carton dimensions, and battery-related shipping documents where relevant. | Packaging should protect fragile components during transit, and carton details should be available before freight is booked. | Packaging specification, carton measurements, drop-test information if available, and shipping-document checklist. | 5% |
| Communication and after-sales support | Evaluate response clarity, issue escalation, spare-parts availability, and the process for handling defects. | Agree on response expectations, warranty terms, and a documented claim-resolution process before placing an order. | Written warranty and after-sales terms, named contact role, and defect-claim procedure. | 5% |