China produces the majority of the world’s elevators, and for good reason: competitive pricing, mature supply chains and fast customization. But the distance — physical and cultural — is where projects go wrong. This checklist covers what experienced buyers verify before signing anything.
1. Verify the factory, not just the website
A professional-looking website proves nothing. Ask for a factory audit report, business licence and production photos of your order in progress. If you cannot travel, commission a third-party inspection — it costs a fraction of one delayed shipment.
2. Check the certifications your market requires
European projects need CE marking under EN 81-20/50; other markets accept ISO 9001 and local type approvals. Ask for certificate copies with the certificate number, and verify them with the issuing body rather than trusting a PDF.
3. Get a complete, itemized quotation
A quotation should list the elevator itself, door systems, traction machine, control system, fixtures, decoration, shipping and any installation support. If items are bundled into one line, ask what is included — hidden costs appear later as “extras”.
4. Confirm the technical specification in writing
Load, speed, stops, shaft dimensions, pit depth, door type and power supply should all appear in the contract. Drawings with dimensions prevent the classic dispute: “the shaft you built doesn’t match the lift we shipped”.
5. Agree on quality inspection points
Define when inspections happen: incoming components, mid-production and pre-shipment. Insist on photo and video documentation at each stage, plus the right to a third-party pre-shipment inspection before balance payment.
6. Lock down payment terms
Standard is 30% deposit and 70% before shipment. Never pay 100% upfront, and be cautious with 100% before delivery for first orders. L/C at sight is a safe alternative for larger orders.
7. Clarify shipping and responsibility
Choose your Incoterm deliberately. FOB keeps freight under your control; CIF is convenient but check what insurance really covers; DDP sounds simple until customs duties surprise you. Confirm who handles export documents and loading.
8. Plan after-sales before you need it
Agree on spare-parts pricing, response times and warranty scope in the contract. Ask whether the supplier can supply a maintenance manual and training, and identify who performs maintenance locally — before the first fault occurs.
The bottom line
None of this is about distrust — it is about turning a long-distance transaction into a documented, professional process. Buyers who follow these eight points consistently report fewer surprises, lower total cost and projects that finish on schedule.