Ask every supplier for chain-of-custody certificates (FSC for timber, organic for textiles) and check their validity dates.
Book a third-party inspection before shipment. It costs a fraction of a returned container.
Agree on payment milestones – a deposit to start, the balance after inspection: it protects you and gives honest factories a stronger reputation.
2 Comments
Very helpful – we are furnishing a small guesthouse and this answered most of our questions.
Could you share which teak finish holds up best outdoors?