Phase 1: The 5-Minute Red Flag Scan
Verify GSTIN status immediately at search.gstin.in. Match the trade address and filing consistency. Check MCA21 for registered charges or financial liens.
Phase 2: The 10-Minute Qualification Script
- Ask for monthly volume metrics, not generalized capacity.
- Inquire about their largest three clients for reference benchmarking.
- Discuss crisis management: How do they handle missed deadlines?
The Gold Standard: A supplier unwilling to facilitate a paid sample run is an immediate disqualification for scalable brands.