Use a go, clarify or pause decision
Before you buy wholesale from China, check nine fields: exact item, selected option, quantity and minimum, complete quote basis, responsible source, authorized contact, QC plan, packing plan, and shipment definition. Mark every field go, clarify, or pause. Do not let several easy green fields cancel one unresolved identity or payment conflict.
Use three states instead of a single score
Go
The field is tied to the exact item, option, source, and current date.
Clarify
The field is answerable, but the record is incomplete or the basis is unclear.
Pause
The field conflicts, the responsible party cannot be identified, or pressure replaces evidence.
A score can hide a critical failure. The three-state method keeps the reason visible.
Complete the readiness board
| Field | Evidence to continue | Clarify trigger | Pause trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity | Page, code, neutral description agree | One label missing | Codes or products conflict |
| Option | Color/size/model/set repeated | General reply | Quote covers another option |
| Commercial | Currency, quantity basis, inclusions, date | One cost field missing | Changing basis without explanation |
| Source/contact | Authorized public route is consistent | Relationship needs confirmation | Unexpected redirection or payee |
| QC/packing | Item-specific plan recorded | Views or materials not settled | Cannot connect evidence to item |
| Shipment | Packed order and route can be quoted | Dimensions or restrictions pending | Route offered without contents |
Resolve fields in dependency order
- Confirm item identity.
- Lock the selected option and quantity matrix.
- Clarify minimum and quote basis.
- Confirm the responsible source and contact.
- Define QC evidence before it is needed.
- Decide packing before comparing shipping.
- Request a shipment quote for the completed packed-order version.
Later fields depend on earlier ones. A shipping quote for an undefined order is not progress.
Keep one handoff note for the whole decision
Write a short summary another person could audit: “Code A17, black, sizes M/L, 20 pieces total; item quote Q2 dated 25 August; mixed-size minimum confirmed; five QC views requested; boxed packing undecided; shipping not yet comparable.”
This note makes it harder for a changed chat message, new screenshot, or old price to replace the current decision state.
Know which single failure is enough to stop
Pause when identity cannot be resolved, contact or payee changes without a responsible explanation, an essential compatibility or measurement remains unknown, or the quote hides its quantity basis. No number of catalog images, quick replies, or attractive options compensates for those failures.
