5 Questions to Ask Before You Place Your First International Order

A first order with a new supplier is where most of the risk in international trade sits — and most of it can be avoided by asking the right questions upfront.

1. Can you provide references or a track record? A supplier with genuine trade history should be able to point to it.
2. What are your quality control steps before shipment? Get this in writing, not just a verbal assurance.
3. Who is responsible for goods at each stage of the journey? This is where Incoterms come in — make sure it’s agreed and understood by both sides.
4. What happens if the shipment doesn’t match the agreed specification? A clear resolution process protects both buyer and supplier.
5. What documentation will I receive, and when? Certificates of origin, quality inspection reports, and shipping documents should be confirmed before the order is placed, not chased afterward.

Getting clear answers to these five questions before committing to an order is one of the simplest ways to protect a new trade relationship from day one.