How to Spot an Untrustworthy Supplier

Posted by Cat Virca in Planning, Tips, Trends

Finding a trustworthy trade show supplier can be difficult if you are new to the industry. Make sure you conduct extensive research before you do business for the first time.

The Internet can be a reliable resource for finding the information you are looking for. A well organized, user friendly website doesn’t always guarantee a trustworthy company. Don’t agree to anything until you know you are getting what you are paying for. Remember to give yourself plenty of time for any unexpected mishaps with suppliers.

Charles Dugan provides seven great ways to help you spot an untrustworthy trade show supplier in his article, “Top Tricks for Avoiding Untrustworthy Trade Show Display Suppliers.”

1. Hidden contact information. A reputable company will always display their physical location and a phone number to can contact them. These days, P.O. boxes are readily available for companies that do not have a permanent address. Hidden information should be a red flag.
2. Whols.com is an online tool use to find business ownership information and other details about every public domain on the Internet.
3. Physical location. Use Google Maps to locate the address listed on their website. Leverage the ‘Street View’ function to get a closer look at their building and ensure it is legitimate. Feel free to drive by the location if you are still doubting its existence.
4. Don’t return to sender. Avoid companies that include the phrase “do not return products to our location.” Not accepting products suggests they are reselling products from another vendor and do not have any on-site services. Additionally, customer support is probably not included.
5. Check the history. Archive.org is a free resource that allows you to browse a list of any domain imaginable. Compare the facts on their current website with what you found on the previous site. If you find too many discrepancies, you should probably do business elsewhere.
6. Social media. Most companies are on social media. If the company you are considering is not, it could that the are behind the times or don’t have the resources to run an account. However, inactiveness on social media isn’t always a deal breaker. You decide. Be sure to browse their page (if they have one) to check for suspicious content like lots of spam. Leverage social media to read reviews about the company.
7. Surprise inspection. Find a local supplier and stop by their showroom unannounced. This is a great opportunity to check out their facility and see the various types they have on display.

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