A checklist for checking a supplier before you transfer
Before transferring money to a supplier you just met in a DM, check these eight things. A practical list for resellers who want to buy more safely.
Check identity and legality, match the transfer recipient's name with the business owner's name, ask for evidence of the role rather than a claim, start with a small order, and ask for the agreement to be recorded. If the first three checks fail, stop there.
The question that comes up most often in reseller communities is simple: should I transfer money to this supplier? There is no absolute answer, but there are checks you can run before money changes hands. Here they are, from cheapest to most convincing.
Eight checks before you transfer
- Match the bank-account recipient's name with the business owner's name. An account under someone else's name with a confusing story is a red flag.
- Ask for the person in charge's ID and the business's NIB. A serious business does not mind showing its legality.
- Ask for evidence of the role, not a claim. The word producer is cheap; photos of a production floor, a location video, or trademark documents are much harder to fake.
- Look for a consistent digital trail: the same account across several channels, active over time, not created yesterday.
- Ask about the track record: how many transactions with other resellers, and whether anyone can serve as a reference.
- Agree on price, minimum quantity, and delivery time in writing — in the chat, or better, in an invoice or PO.
- Start with a small order to test the process before committing to large amounts.
- Keep payment and shipment proof. If a dispute happens, that is the only thing that speaks.
The checks most people skip
Most resellers stop at checks one and three — the account name and the words in the bio. The check that matters most is actually number three: evidence of the role. Someone can show tidy product photos while buying from somebody else, but a video from the production site or a registered trademark number is far harder to fake.
How Biome shortens this list
A supplier profile on Biome runs most of the checks above in advance. Identity and legality are verified, the role is checked from evidence, and the track record is visible before you even ask. What remains for you: agree on the price, start small, and let the order be recorded so the proof exists for the next transaction.
| Check | Searching social media | A verified profile on Biome |
|---|---|---|
| Account name matches the business owner | You check it | Checked during identity verification |
| Business legality (NIB) | You ask for it | Already checked |
| Evidence of the business role | You judge it yourself | Checked; a role badge appears only if it passes |
| Transaction track record | None | Visible on the profile |
| Agreement recorded | Depends on the chat | Invoice/PO recorded in Biome |
Frequently asked questions
Is a small first order really necessary?
Yes. A small order tests everything at low risk: response speed, stock honesty, packaging quality, and delivery time. Large transactions should wait for a smooth small one.
What if the supplier refuses to show evidence?
The refusal itself is data. A real producer is usually proud to show their site or legality. If not, do not push — just move on to the next candidate.