| Product Configuration |
The quoted unit should match the required arm version, end effector, controller, software access, and accessories. |
Request a complete configuration sheet and confirm whether accessories are included or optional. |
Itemized quotation, technical datasheet, packing list, and product photographs. |
Vague descriptions such as “complete set” without a detailed bill of materials. |
| Technical Specifications |
Specifications should be stated using consistent units and test conditions, including reach, payload, repeatability, motion range, and operating speed. |
Check whether the figures apply to the exact model and whether payload includes the gripper or tool weight. |
Official technical documents, serial-number records, inspection reports, and a live demonstration. |
Different specifications appearing across the quotation, website, and user manual. |
| Supplier Verification |
The legal seller, payment recipient, and shipping party should be clearly identified and consistent. |
Verify business registration, operating address, sales authorization, and the identity of the contracting entity. |
Verifiable registration documents, company-domain email, signed quotation, and traceable business address. |
Requests for payment to an unrelated individual or an account in an unexplained country. |
| Product Condition |
The condition should be explicitly classified as new, refurbished, demonstration, or used. |
Ask for manufacturing date, usage history, repair records, calibration status, and recent operating videos. |
Condition report, serial-number photos, test checklist, and pre-shipment inspection option. |
Stock photos only, missing serial numbers, or refusal to provide a functional test. |
| Compliance Documents |
Required documents should match the destination market and the electrical configuration being shipped. |
Confirm applicable safety, electromagnetic compatibility, import, and electrical documentation with a local specialist. |
Declaration documents, test reports, user manuals, safety instructions, and correct product labeling. |
Certificates with mismatched model numbers, expired documents, or unverifiable issuing bodies. |
| Software and Compatibility |
Software version, operating-system compatibility, interfaces, and included licenses should be confirmed before payment. |
Ask about installation files, updates, language options, communication protocols, and computer requirements. |
Installation guide, compatibility list, sample programs, and documented technical support process. |
Software access dependent on an unknown third party or no clear update and support policy. |
| Lead Time |
The supplier should provide a written production or dispatch schedule with key milestones. |
Confirm stock status, estimated dispatch date, inspection time, and the remedy for late delivery. |
Purchase-order acknowledgment, dated production plan, and shipment tracking procedure. |
Pressure to pay immediately without a confirmed availability date. |
| Warranty Coverage |
Warranty period, covered parts, exclusions, labor responsibility, and return requirements should be written into the contract. |
Ask who pays for replacement parts, return freight, customs charges, and remote troubleshooting. |
Signed warranty terms, service ticket process, spare-parts policy, and response-time commitment. |
“Warranty available” without duration, exclusions, or claims procedure. |
| After-Sales Support |
Support should cover installation, basic operation, troubleshooting, and spare-part sourcing across time zones. |
Test the supplier’s response quality before ordering by sending technical and logistics questions. |
Named support contact, service hours, knowledge base, remote-assistance method, and spare-parts list. |
Slow replies, copied answers, or no technical contact after the quotation stage. |
| Packaging and Shipping |
Packaging should protect precision components from shock, moisture, and movement during international transport. |
Confirm package dimensions, gross weight, wooden-crate treatment, insurance, shipping term, and destination delivery scope. |
Packing photographs, carton or crate specifications, commercial invoice, packing list, and tracking details. |
Unclear responsibility for damage, customs clearance, or last-mile delivery. |
| Total Landed Cost |
Compare product price, freight, insurance, duties, taxes, brokerage, installation, and possible spare parts. |
Request a cost breakdown and confirm which charges are excluded from the quoted price. |
Transparent pro forma invoice, shipping quotation, tariff classification support, and payment schedule. |
An unusually low headline price followed by unexplained handling or documentation charges. |
| Payment Security |
Use a documented payment method with clear milestones and transaction records. |
Match the beneficiary name to the contract entity and avoid unprotected full prepayment where possible. |
Signed contract, staged payment terms, bank verification, and written change-control procedure. |
Last-minute bank-account changes, urgent payment demands, or refusal to sign formal terms. |
| Pre-Shipment Inspection |
The unit should be checked against the agreed configuration before final shipment. |
Define acceptance tests for power-up, homing, motion, accessories, packaging, and documentation. |
Signed inspection checklist, timestamped video, photographs, and independent inspection option. |
Supplier will not permit inspection or provides only edited promotional footage. |
| Supplier Scorecard |
Use a weighted comparison instead of selecting solely by price. |
Suggested weighting: product fit 25%, verification 20%, support 20%, landed cost 15%, delivery 10%, payment security 10%. |
Completed comparison sheet with documented evidence for every score. |
Decision based only on the lowest quotation or unverified online reviews. |