| 1 | Confirm the intended use and market | Whether the mirror is freestanding, wall-mounted, or designed to serve both purposes; destination-market rules and installation conditions. | Ask which product configuration and test requirements apply to the intended market. Request installation instructions for each approved use. | Do not assume a freestanding mirror is safe to hang on a wall. Verify that the mounting hardware and instructions match the chosen installation. |
| 2 | Assess the supplier’s production capability | Experience with mirror fabrication, frame assembly, finishing, packaging, and repeat production at the required specifications. | Request a process overview, product specifications, sample-inspection records, and details on how changes or defects are handled. | Compare the production sample with the approved drawings and written specification, not just catalog images. |
| 3 | Check quality-management claims carefully | Whether quality controls cover incoming materials, dimensions, appearance, assembly, and final inspection. | If the supplier claims ISO 9001 certification, request a current certificate and confirm its scope and issuing body. ISO 9001 concerns a quality-management system; it is not product safety certification. | Ask for the inspection criteria and defect limits that will be used for your order. |
| 4 | Verify glass safety requirements | Glass type, thickness, edge treatment, breakage behavior, and whether safety glazing is required for the product’s intended use and destination. | For relevant applications, ask for test reports to applicable requirements, such as ANSI Z97.1 or U.S. CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201, or EN 12150 for thermally toughened soda-lime silicate safety glass. Confirm applicability with the importer or compliance specialist. | Match the report to the actual glass type, thickness, construction, and product configuration being purchased; a standard name alone is not proof of compliance. |
| 5 | Review mirror construction and backing | Reflective coating, protective paint or backing, substrate, edge sealing, and resistance to corrosion in the expected environment. | Request a written material specification and any relevant corrosion or humidity test results. Ask whether the construction is suitable for the intended room and cleaning routine. | Inspect sample edges and backing for damage, exposed areas, discoloration, or inconsistent coating. |
| 6 | Define dimensions and tolerances | Overall height and width, mirror opening, frame depth, base footprint, weight, and acceptable dimensional variation. | Provide a dimensioned drawing and ask the supplier to confirm measuring points, tolerances, and whether dimensions refer to the frame or glass. | Check that the packed product fits the planned storage, doorways, elevators, and retail display space. |
| 7 | Specify customization in writing | Frame material and finish, shape, glass options, hardware, labels, carton artwork, and any requested logo or packaging changes. | Request a revision-controlled drawing, finish sample, bill of materials, and approved pre-production sample. Clarify tooling, artwork, and change-approval costs. | Record every approved change in the purchase specification so production and inspection use the same version. |
| 8 | Evaluate stability and hardware | Base stability, joint strength, anti-tip provisions, wall anchors, fasteners, and suitability for the intended floor or wall construction. | Ask for assembly instructions, hardware specifications, and any stability or load-test method relevant to the product design. | Check that installation guidance identifies the appropriate wall substrate and makes clear when separate anchors are needed. |
| 9 | Test packaging for fragile freight | Corner and edge protection, internal movement, carton strength, moisture protection, labeling, and pallet configuration. | Request packaging drawings and records of the applicable transport or distribution testing. Agree how damage will be documented and reported. | Review a packed sample and consider a shipment trial before scaling up, especially for long-distance or mixed-mode transport. |
| 10 | Compare total landed cost and delivery terms | Unit price, sampling and tooling charges, packaging, freight, insurance, duties, lead time, payment terms, and after-sales arrangements. | Request a like-for-like quotation that states the currency, Incoterms® rule and named place, production lead time, quote validity, and included items. | Compare total landed cost rather than unit price alone, and confirm order quantities, inspection timing, and claim procedures before payment. |