China Shoe Factory Visit Checklist for Due Diligence
A practical guide from MOHE factory for international importers to assess manufacturing capabilities, quality systems, and compliance during a factory visit.
Before You Go: Setting Objectives
A factory visit is your best tool for due diligence, but only if you go with a clear plan. Don't just walk the production line—verify claims. At MOHE, we welcome buyers who ask tough questions. It shows you're serious.
Define Your Criteria
Before booking flights, list what matters most for your product line: material sourcing, stitching quality, sole adhesion, or packaging consistency. Rank them. This will focus your time on the floor.
Request Documentation in Advance
Ask for these before you arrive: business license, export certifications (ISO 9001, BSCI, or SMETA), and a sample production timeline for a similar product. If they hesitate, that's a red flag.
On Arrival: First Impressions Count
Facility Location and Layout
Note the factory's surroundings. Is it in an industrial zone or a residential area? At MOHE, our Wenzhou site is purpose-built for footwear, with dedicated zones for cutting, stitching, lasting, and packing. A logical flow reduces errors.
Safety and Cleanliness
Check for clear walkways, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits. Look at the floors—are they free of debris and spills? A clean factory is a sign of disciplined management. Ask about their accident record for the past year.
Production Floor: The Core Check
Machinery and Maintenance
Count the number of machines and their brands. For a mid-volume shoe factory, expect at least 50-100 sewing machines, 10-20 lasting machines, and 2-4 sole presses. Ask for maintenance logs. At MOHE, we schedule weekly checks and keep spare parts on site.
Worker Skills and Training
Watch workers for 10 minutes. Are they moving with confidence or hesitation? Ask about training programs. A good factory invests 2-4 weeks of training for new stitchers. MOQ? For a standard athletic shoe, we set MOQ at 1,200 pairs per style, with a lead time of 45-60 days from order confirmation.
Quality Control Points
Identify where QC checks happen: incoming materials, mid-production, and final inspection. Ask for defect rate data. Industry standard is below 3%. At MOHE, we target under 1.5% for first-quality goods. Request to see the QC checklist.
Materials and Sourcing
In-House vs. Outsourced
Ask what components are made in-house. For example, do they cut and stitch uppers, or outsource? In-house control means better consistency. MOHE handles upper stitching and lasting in-house, but sources soles from certified partners within 50 km.
Material Storage
Visit the warehouse. Leather, fabric, and foam should be stored off the floor, away from direct sunlight, and labeled with date and supplier. Check for any signs of mold or pests. Ask about inventory turnover—raw materials should move within 30 days.
Compliance and Ethics
Labor Practices
Review worker IDs to ensure legal age (minimum 18 for footwear). Ask about overtime—Chinese law limits to 36 hours per month. Check for posted wage rates and social insurance contributions. A compliant factory will show you records.
Environmental Permits
Ask for waste discharge permits and chemical management plans. Shoe factories use adhesives and solvents; proper ventilation and disposal are critical. MOHE has a wastewater treatment system and recycles 70% of production waste.
Final Steps: Negotiation and Follow-Up
Pricing Transparency
Request a cost breakdown: materials 50-60%, labor 15-20%, overhead 10-15%, profit 5-10%. For a typical sneaker, FOB price ranges from $8 to $15 depending on materials. Don't accept vague quotes.
Sample and Lead Time Commitment
Before leaving, agree on a sample schedule. First sample within 2 weeks, revised sample within 1 week, and bulk production within 45 days. Get it in writing. At MOHE, we provide a signed timeline with penalties for delays.
Conclusion
A factory visit is your due diligence. Use this checklist to verify capabilities, quality, and ethics. We at MOHE believe transparency builds long-term partnerships. Come see our sites in Wenzhou, Putian, or Guangzhou—we're ready for your questions.