Most buyers start a supplier search with a catalog and a price list. That is the easy part. The harder part is confirming that the company behind the catalog actually controls production, materials and quality — especially when the product is expensive, heavy and difficult to return.
This checklist is the same sequence we recommend to distributors who want to audit a factory before a first order. It is designed for a remote audit or an in-person visit.
1. Legal identity and factory address
- Business license matching the company name on the quotation.
- Factory address that matches the video or visit location.
- Export records or customer references in your region.
- Domain and website history consistent with the claimed experience.
A trading company can be a legitimate partner, but it should disclose whether it owns production. If it does not, ask which factory it works with and whether you can audit that factory.
2. Production capability
Ask for a live video walkthrough, not a highlight reel. Look for:
- Separate mixing, casting, trimming, painting and assembly areas.
- Molds in use, including the model you are considering.
- Skeleton assembly and joint testing.
- A dedicated QC station with written checklists.
- Packing area with cartons and protective materials.
If the factory claims both silicone and TPE, ask to see both lines and the material storage area.
3. Material traceability
Request the material datasheet, batch records and any test reports. Ask how the factory prevents mixing silicone and TPE components, and how it tracks pigment and skin tone batches.
Factory note: the most revealing question is not "what material do you use?" but "show me the material storage and how you label batches." A factory that cannot explain batch control will struggle with consistency across a repeat order.
4. Quality control process
Ask for the QC checklist and the inspection stage where it is used. A basic process should cover:
- Incoming material check.
- In-process check after demolding and trimming.
- Paint and detail inspection.
- Skeleton and joint function test.
- Final inspection before packing.
- Packed-weight and carton check.
5. Sample testing
- Measure height and weight against the spec.
- Check seams, paint, hair, eyes and accessories.
- Test joint range and listen for noise.
- Check smell after 24 hours.
- Inspect the packaging and run a short transit test if possible.
6. Commercial verification
- Written quotation with Incoterms and payment terms.
- Clear MOQ per model, color and packaging.
- Lead time with milestones.
- Warranty and defect process.
- References who are willing to speak about the factory.
7. Red flags
- The factory cannot provide a live video walkthrough.
- The address changes between documents.
- Photos are reused from other brands or retailers.
- The quotation is far below the market with no explanation.
- Quality answers are vague or only refer to "good quality".
- The supplier avoids written specifications or contracts.
A remote audit agenda
If you cannot visit, schedule a live video call rather than reviewing an edited video. A 45–60 minute agenda can cover a lot:
- Introduction and company documents (5 minutes).
- Material storage and batch labeling (10 minutes).
- Casting and demolding area (10 minutes).
- Trimming, painting and assembly (10 minutes).
- QC station and checklist (10 minutes).
- Packing area and carton sample (5 minutes).
- Questions and next steps (10 minutes).
Ask the person holding the camera to walk slowly and show the equipment, not only the finished products.
How to score a supplier
Use a simple weighted score so the decision is not based on price alone:
- Production capability: 25%.
- Material traceability: 20%.
- QC process: 20%.
- Commercial terms: 15%.
- Communication and responsiveness: 10%.
- References and export experience: 10%.
Score each item from 1 to 5 and compare the total. A supplier with a slightly higher price but strong QC and communication is often the cheaper choice over a full order cycle.
Sample audit report
- Photos of the factory exterior, production areas and QC station.
- Documents reviewed and their dates.
- Sample measurements and test results.
- Open issues and the supplier's responses.
- Recommendation and next steps.
FAQ
What documents should a sex doll supplier provide?
At minimum: business license, factory address, material datasheets, test reports where applicable, and export records or references. For custom projects, also request a sample approval record and a written specification.
Should I visit the factory in person?
If the order is significant, yes. A visit lets you see the production floor, material storage, QC station and packing area. If travel is not possible, request a live video walkthrough rather than an edited promotional video.
How can I check whether a factory is real?
Cross-check the business license, factory address, website domain history and references. Ask for a live video call at the production site and compare the equipment and staff with the photos used in the catalog.
About this guide
This audit checklist is used by the CoolMate Silicone Doll Factory team during buyer factory visits and remote audits. For a live walkthrough of our production line, see our factory page or book a video call.
Last reviewed: October 2026 by the CoolMate Silicone Doll Factory production team.
