Checklist for new manufacturers

These are excerpts from our questionaire we send to new manufacturers that want to do business with us.

The following questions are primarily targeted at companies claiming to actually make dolls and employ an own sculptor (opposed to reselling and rebranding products from someone else, or just doing OEM manufacturing).

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1) […] As you stated, you have own manufacturing facilities.
Where is the factory located? Please state a valid address we can look up in a map.
Can we pickup a package with a doll from this location?
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2) Do you have a business permit? If not: why not?
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3) Do you have an export license? If not: why not?
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4) If you do not have an export license:
Can you ship without using a shipping agent (freight forwarder)?
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5) How can we make payments?
Which payment methods do you support?
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6) Do you offer OEM work?
Can you give references, e.g. for which manufacturers/brands do you make dolls, except for your own brand?
Doll brands (full listing): […]
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7) Copies and fakes are a major issue with TPE dolls from China.
How can we tell which is an authentic doll, if the same photos are used by different brands?
Which means do you provide to distinguish fakes and copies from authentic dolls?
What do you offer to identify an authentic [your brand] Doll and distinguish it from a possible fake or copy?
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8…11) The following questions are about technical details like hinged wrists, ankles and necks. For example, we are also asking if we can purchase a separate skeleton, or if we can get at least photos of the currently used skeleton.
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12) Are you able to provide TPE glue and TPE stain remover that is neither hazardous nor toxic, or can you at least provide safety instructions for proper usage together with the glue and stain remover to allow safe shipping and avoid harm to humans?
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16) Dou you have certificates proving the safety of your TPE [or silicone] blend?
Which certificates can you show us?
Are we allowed to publish these documents? […]
Do your electronic devices come with a CE conformity declaration, and with usage instructions? […]
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19) In many EU countries a manufacturer warranty is required. This means that manufacturing defects have to be repaired unconditionally and free of charge up to 6 months after the purchase.
Do you provide a manufacturer warranty?
Do you have a written warranty policy?
How is a claimes warranty case handled? Please describe the procedure.
Do you offer replacements? Do you offer spare parts? For how long after the purchase?
In case a manufacturing defect occurs and a doll has to be replaced, who pays for the return shipment of the flawed doll, the replacement shipment for the new doll, and the import fees for the replacement?
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