Conditions and records that matched the agreed audit question.
Project-based factory visits before larger sourcing decisions
Factory Audit in China Before a Deposit, Reorder or Supplier Switch
We prepare the visit around the buyer’s product and record visible equipment, workflow, testing, warehouse and packing conditions.
Direct answer
What is checked during a factory audit in China?
A factory audit in China checks visible conditions related to a specific sourcing decision. The visit may cover the company name and address, production areas, relevant machinery, workers, material storage, in-process goods, testing equipment, warehouse and export packing. ALF Supply prepares questions from the buyer’s product, quantity and concerns before the visit. The report records what was observed, what evidence was provided and what could not be confirmed. An audit reflects conditions on the visit date; it does not guarantee future quality, capacity or delivery.
Preparing the checks yourself?Use our China Factory Audit Checklist before the visit.
Factory audit process
From your audit scope to the final report
We agree on the question first. The checklist, visit and report then follow the same scope.
- 01
Audit scope
You tell us which supplier claims and factory conditions affect your decision.
- 02
Factory confirmation
We confirm the company name, site address, contact and proposed visit time.
- 03
Audit checklist
We prepare product-specific questions from your specification and known concerns.
- 04
Factory visit
We follow the agreed route through production, testing, storage and packing areas.
- 05
Evidence collection
We record observations, photographs, documents and the factory’s explanations.
- 06
Risk classification
We separate confirmed points, concerns and items that remain open.
- 07
Audit report
You receive the findings, supporting evidence, limits and suggested follow-up.
Before the visit
A useful audit begins with a narrow question
“Is this a good factory?” is too broad. A better question is whether the site appears able to assemble the quoted lock configuration, test the specified electrical model or run the buyer’s packaging film at the target speed. Product, quantity, timeline and known concerns determine what the visitor should look for.
Product specificationQuoted supplierExpected quantityCritical processRequired testKnown concern
Factory audit report
See what we found and what remains open
The report identifies the factory, visit date, agreed scope and areas visited. Photographs sit beside the point they support.
Differences, weak evidence or conditions the buyer should review.
Items that were unavailable, outside the scope or still need specialist checks.
We finish with practical follow-up points. You can ask the supplier for evidence, arrange testing, request a correction or stop the order.
Planning the audit
Duration, cost and limits
How long does a factory audit take?
It depends on the factory size, product and agreed scope. We confirm the expected on-site time before the visit. Travel and report preparation are planned separately.
How much does a factory audit in China cost?
We quote after checking the factory location, visit duration and audit scope. Product complexity and specialist equipment can also affect the cost.
Do you use a factory audit checklist?
Yes. We prepare the checklist around your product and concerns. You can also use our China Factory Audit Checklist to prepare your own review.
What does the audit not check?
A standard visit does not provide laboratory certification, legal advice, financial due diligence or engineering approval. It cannot guarantee future quality, capacity or delivery.
Choose the correct check
Factory audit and product inspection answer different questions
A factory audit examines the supplier’s visible organization and capability. A quality inspection compares a defined shipment or sample with approved requirements. A supplier verification focuses first on identity and supporting records. Some projects need all three at different stages; others need only one.
Turn a factory visit into decision-ready evidence
A factory audit is most useful when the visit has a defined question. Instead of collecting generic photographs, connect observations to production capacity, process control, quality records, subcontracting, storage, traceability and the product being considered. Record the source of each finding and distinguish documents shown from conditions directly observed.
Useful audit outputs
- Scope and questions agreed before the visit
- Observed production flow and relevant equipment
- Recent examples of quality or production records
- Open findings, requested evidence and follow-up actions
An audit describes conditions observed at a particular time. It should not be presented as a permanent guarantee of future production.
Prepare a visit
Send the product, supplier and audit question
Include the quotation, expected quantity, address and the evidence you need before deciding.
ALF Supply · ALF Co., Ltd.Wenzhou, Zhejiang, Chinasale@alfsupply.com+86-130-9473-6426Submit a Sourcing Request
Useful preparation: Share the supplier’s full company name, factory address, quotation, product specification and any photographs already received. Mark the claims that affect your decision most. This lets the visit focus on relevant equipment, processes and records instead of producing a general factory tour with little decision value.