12 June 2026 · Huang Ya-Ting
When owners ask what to collect before comparing bids, we start with five items that reveal more than a glossy brochure.
Confirm the legal name matches the quote header and note registration date. Newly formed entities are not automatically risky, but capacity claims need extra verification.
2. Tax compliance certificate
For domestic suppliers, a recent tax compliance letter reduces surprises during your accounts payable setup. Importers may also provide customs broker references.
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3 May 2026 · Chen Wei-Lin
The lowest bid is easy to spot. The bid that keeps production running is harder.
Name your non-negotiables first
Before opening spreadsheets, write down what failure looks like: a line stoppage, a missed export date, or a clinic without supplies. Those outcomes get weight in scoring, not just TWD figures.
Normalize units
Convert quotes to the same unit — per piece, per month, or total project. Include freight, tooling deposits, and expected change-order patterns if history exists.
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18 April 2026 · Mark Olsen
Facility contracts often hide risk in the schedule, not the headline price.
Deposits tied to vague milestones
A 40% deposit on “contract signing” is common; 40% on “materials ordered” without defining acceptable proof is less so. Ask what document triggers each payment.
Retention and defect periods
Retention held until final acceptance protects you. Note how long the contractor must remedy punch-list items and whether retention releases automatically or needs your written sign-off.
Read article →Practical notes from our consulting work — questions clients ask before signing, and how we answer them.