First the task, then the list of companies
Describe who you are looking for: a manufacturer, a distributor or a technology partner. Specify the product, quality requirements, the intended working model and constraints. Such a brief lets you compare offers by the same criteria rather than by the impression a presentation makes.
Check the counterparty before discussing terms
Request registration details, information on production sites and product documentation. Verify information against official registries and involve specialists. A video call or samples are useful, but do not replace due diligence.
What to record after the first meeting
- Who makes decisions and who runs the project?
- Which documents and samples are needed for evaluation?
- How do the parties share costs and responsibilities?
Start with a small pilot
Agree on a verifiable result, stages, payment terms and acceptance criteria. After the pilot, evaluate not only the product but also the communication: keeping agreements, transparent documents and willingness to discuss difficulties.
