Frequently Asked Questions

They are real factories. Every factory on FactoryFollow undergoes a rigorous verification process that includes:

• Production video verification from TikTok, YouTube, or Douyin
• Live workshop walkthroughs showing actual equipment
• Machine serial number consistency checks across multiple videos
• Buyer feedback validation and sample consistency testing

Trading companies cannot pass this verification because they don't have consistent access to production facilities.

Alibaba's verification is primarily documentation-based (business licenses, certificates) available to any paying member, including trading companies. Their "On-site Check" is a one-time visit.

Our verification is production-based: Factories must provide multiple real production videos, live walkthroughs, and demonstrate consistency over time. We estimate that 60-70% of "factories" on traditional platforms are actually trading companies.

Yes, absolutely. Once you're matched with a factory, you communicate directly with them through our platform. No middlemen, no translators filtering information (unless you request one).

We continuously monitor factories through:

• Quarterly random video check-ins
• Buyer feedback analysis after every order
• Annual full re-verification
• Continuous monitoring of buyer reviews and issue reports

If a factory fails re-verification or receives consistent negative feedback, they're immediately removed from our platform. In the past year, we've removed 3 factories for verification failures.

Your payment is protected by escrow. Here's the process if you're not satisfied with a sample:

1. You report the issue within 7 days of receiving the sample
2. We mediate between you and the factory
3. Options: factory resamples at their cost, partial refund, or full refund
4. If no resolution, we refund your payment from escrow

This is why we emphasize samples before bulk orders - it's much cheaper to discover issues with a $50 sample than a $5,000 production order.

Most samples arrive within 5-7 business days after factory pickup via express courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS):

• Sample production: 1-3 days (depending on complexity)
• Express shipping: 3-5 days to USA/Europe, 4-7 days elsewhere
• Total: Typically 7-10 days from order to delivery

Complex custom samples may take longer. The factory will provide a timeline before you order.

You pay the factory directly for shipping. Sample shipping is typically:

• Included in the sample price (all-inclusive quote)
• Or quoted separately (sample cost + shipping cost)

Typical shipping costs via express courier:

• Small items: $25-$40
• Medium items: $35-$50
• Large/heavy items: $50-$100+

Factories don't markup shipping - you pay their actual cost.

Yes, and we encourage it. Ordering samples from 2-3 factories allows you to:

• Compare quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail
• Evaluate communication and responsiveness
• Compare pricing for the same specifications
• Make an informed decision for bulk production

This is the professional approach to sourcing. The sample cost is minimal compared to the risk of choosing the wrong factory for production.

For buyers: No fees. FactoryFollow is completely free for buyers.

For factories: They pay us a small commission only after you place a bulk order through our platform. There are:

• No listing fees for factories
• No subscription fees
• No fees for sample orders
• Commission only on successful bulk orders (typically 3-7% depending on product category)

This aligns our incentives with yours - we only succeed when you find a factory you're happy with and place a bulk order.

Escrow protects your sample payment. Here's how it works:

1. You pay for the sample into our escrow account
2. Factory produces and ships the sample
3. You receive and evaluate the sample
4. If satisfied, you release payment to the factory
5. If not satisfied, we mediate and can refund your payment

For sample orders through our platform:

• Credit/Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• PayPal
• Bank Transfer (for larger sample orders)

For bulk orders (arranged directly with factory):

• Bank Transfer (T/T) - most common
• Letter of Credit (L/C) - for large orders
• Other methods as agreed with the factory

No hidden fees for buyers. What you see is what you pay:

• Sample price (as quoted by factory)
• Shipping cost (as quoted by factory)
• Payment processing fee (if any, shown before payment)

We don't add any markup to factory prices. You pay the factory directly through our platform.

Yes, you can. After testing a factory with samples, you're free to work with them directly for bulk orders.

However, if you place bulk orders through our platform, you get:

• Continued support and mediation if issues arise
• Access to our quality control guidance and resources
• The factory's continued participation in our verification program
• Our assistance with communication and cultural barriers

Ultimately, it's your choice. Our goal is to help you find the right factory - what happens after that is between you and the factory.

No, we don't operate as a logistics company. For bulk orders:

• You work directly with the factory to arrange shipping
• Factory can recommend freight forwarders
• We can recommend reliable freight forwarders but don't handle logistics ourselves
• You're free to use your own freight forwarder

This keeps costs lower and gives you more control. Factories typically have established relationships with freight forwarders and can get competitive rates.

For samples: Usually no customs duties if declared value is below your country's de minimis threshold (typically $800 in USA, €150 in EU). Factories typically declare samples at $10-$50 to help avoid duties.

For bulk orders: You're responsible for customs clearance and duties. We recommend:

• Working with a customs broker or freight forwarder who handles clearance
• Checking duty rates for your product category in your country
• Including duty costs in your landed cost calculations

We help ensure factories provide proper documentation (commercial invoice, packing list) but don't handle customs clearance.

Our ongoing role depends on your needs:

• Minimal: We stay available if issues arise and you need mediation
• Moderate: We can help with communication and cultural understanding
• Full support: We can provide quality control guidance and problem-solving assistance

The factory relationship is yours to manage. We're here as a resource if you need us, but we don't insert ourselves into your business relationship.