| Outdoor suitability | Whether the lantern is designed for the intended outdoor conditions, including exposure to rain, moisture, temperature changes, and sunlight. | Product specifications, construction details, care instructions, and any applicable test reports. | The supplier explains the product’s stated use limits and can provide evidence relevant to the exact model being quoted. | 15% | 1–5 |
| Electrical and lighting safety | For illuminated lanterns, check the power source, wiring, plug or adapter, LED components, and safety requirements for the target market. | Component specifications and valid, model-relevant test reports or conformity documents where required. | Documents identify the tested product or components clearly, and the supplier can explain which requirements apply to the destination country. | 15% | 1–5 |
| Materials and construction | Review the frame, panels, coatings, joints, hanging points, base, and any decorative elements for the intended handling and display conditions. | Material list, drawings or product photos, sample, and details of assembly and finishing. | Materials and construction are described consistently across the quotation, sample, and production specifications. | 12% | 1–5 |
| Quality control | Ask how incoming materials, in-process work, and finished products are checked, including inspection before shipment. | Quality-control procedure, inspection checklist, sample inspection records, and a written defect-handling process. | Inspection criteria and acceptance limits are agreed in writing before production begins. | 12% | 1–5 |
| Sample and customization capability | Assess whether the supplier can provide a representative sample and manage requested changes to size, color, artwork, packaging, or lighting. | Sample timeline, customization details, tooling or setup costs, and written confirmation of approved specifications. | The approval process records the final sample and specifications that will be used for production. | 10% | 1–5 |
| Production capacity and lead time | Confirm the proposed production schedule, order quantity requirements, peak-season planning, and how delays are communicated. | Written production plan, capacity confirmation for the requested order, and a schedule covering sampling, production, and inspection. | Lead times are presented as estimates with clear milestones and dependencies rather than as an unsupported guarantee. | 10% | 1–5 |
| Packaging and shipping readiness | Check product protection, carton dimensions, shipping marks, packing method, and whether the packaging suits the chosen transport method. | Packaging specification, carton measurements, packing photos or sample, and a written quotation showing shipping terms. | Packaging is reviewed against product fragility and transport needs, and responsibilities are clearly stated in the order documents. | 8% | 1–5 |
| Communication and documentation | Evaluate response clarity, consistency of product details, and willingness to document specifications, changes, and commercial terms. | Quotation, product specification sheet, order confirmation, change records, and clear contact responsibilities. | Answers are specific and consistent, and important decisions are confirmed in writing. | 8% | 1–5 |
| Commercial transparency | Compare unit price, sample charges, tooling or customization fees, payment terms, minimum order quantity, and costs that may be excluded. | Itemized quotation with currency, validity period, order quantity, payment schedule, and stated delivery terms. | Costs and assumptions are disclosed before an order is placed, allowing like-for-like comparison. | 5% | 1–5 |
| After-sales and corrective action | Ask how shortages, transit damage, defects, and specification deviations are reported and resolved. | Written claims procedure, response expectations, and examples of the information required to assess a claim. | The supplier provides a defined process for investigation and corrective action without relying only on verbal assurances. | 5% | 1–5 |