Choosing the wrong supplier costs you multiples of the price you "saved." In the Saudi wholesale market, the difference between a successful trader and one who closes within a year is often summed up in one decision: Who do you work with?
This guide gives you nine verifiable criteria — no impressions and no "gut feelings" — that you can apply before transferring the first payment.
1. Active and Matching Commercial Registration
Request a copy of the commercial registration from the Ministry of Commerce, verify via mci.gov.sa that the trade name is active, and that the business activity matches the goods offered. A food supplier selling you electronics? Red flag.
2. Correct VAT Number
15 digits starting with "3" and ending with "03." Verify via ZATCA’s VAT number check (zatca.gov.sa/ar/eServices). A supplier without a VAT number = cannot issue a legal invoice = you cannot deduct it from your own VAT.
3. ZATCA Phase Two Certificate
Request a sample previous invoice: it must contain a correct QR TLV, a digital signature, and a unified invoice number (UUID). Some suppliers are still issuing Phase One invoices — these invoices are void after their wave’s mandate.
4. Reasonable Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
A supplier requiring an MOQ of 10,000 units for a product you sell 50 units per month = cash flow problem. Negotiate a smaller MOQ for the first order, or request a "trial order" at a slightly higher price.
General rule: First order MOQ should not exceed your expected monthly sales × 1.5.
5. Clear Sample Policy
Before any large order, request a paid sample (usually 50–200 SAR, deductible from the final order). A supplier who refuses to send a sample or demands an excessive fee = a warning sign.
6. Written Return and Quality Policy
What is the acceptable defect rate? Typically 1-3% for electronics, less than 1% for food. What is the return mechanism? Who pays for return shipping? Within how many days? All of this is documented in the supplier contract — not a WhatsApp conversation.
7. On-Site Visit or Third-Party Audit
Order exceeds 100,000 SAR? An on-site visit to the factory/warehouse is not a luxury — it is a necessity. If geographically distant, hire an auditing company (SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV) to conduct a factory audit for 2,000-5,000 SAR.
8. Use Trade Assurance
Professional platforms like Werushop offer Trade Assurance: your funds are held on the platform until you receive the goods meeting agreed specifications. In case of a dispute, the platform acts as a neutral mediator. This protects against 90% of common fraud cases.
9. Questions That Reveal the Real Supplier
- “Give me 3 previous clients I can contact” — A genuine supplier does not hesitate.
- “Explain your production line / supply chain to me” — Technical details expose the disguised middleman.
- “Can you send a live video of the warehouse right now?” — A simple request, but embarrassing for fraudsters.
- “What are your peak and slow production seasons?” — This question reveals who truly knows their industry.
Clear Fraud Red Flags — Walk Away Immediately
- Price 30%+ below market with no logical explanation.
- Insistence on transferring to a personal account, not a company account.
- Stolen product images (verify via Google Reverse Image Search).
- Refusal of a video call or visit.
- Pressure with “opportunity ends today”.
On Workshop, all listed suppliers undergo verification of commercial registration, tax number, ZATCA certificate, and a review of the first 3 orders before earning the "Qualified Supplier" badge. Browse top suppliers or request a quote and we will verify the seller before any transfer.
A good purchasing decision = saved commission + peace of mind. Take your time to verify, don't rush.