- Which floor is this, and is it running today?
- How many sewing machines run this construction?
- Can you show me this week's production board?
- Can you open a packed carton on camera?
- Where does finished-product inspection happen, and can I watch it?
- Which of these operations are done here, and which are subcontracted?
A factory answers these immediately from knowledge. An operation that has to check every one is probably a trading company — which is not disqualifying, but you should know which you are dealing with. More on that in the factory versus trading company guide.











