Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Signing a Contract
Choosing the right steel structure manufacturer is one of the most critical decisions in any industrial or construction project. A good supplier can help you save time, reduce costs, and guarantee long-term structural safety. A wrong one can lead to delays, quality issues, or even financial losses.
For procurement managers, contractors, and project owners, asking the right questions before signing a contract is key to identifying a reliable and professional manufacturer.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the 10 most important questions every buyer should ask — along with what kind of answers to look for — before making a final decision.
1️⃣ What Quality Standards and Certifications Do You Have?
Quality is the first thing any serious buyer should verify. A professional steel structure manufacturer should follow internationally recognized standards such as ISO 9001, EN 1090, CE, or AWS D1.1.
Ask to see:
-
- Material test certificates (MTC)
-
- Welding procedure specifications (WPS)
-
- Third-party inspection reports
These documents prove the manufacturer’s commitment to quality and ensure that your project meets all safety and compliance requirements.
2️⃣ What Is Your Typical Production and Delivery Time?
Time is money in construction. Delays in delivery can cause major disruptions in your schedule.
Ask the manufacturer:
-
- How long does fabrication usually take after drawing approval?
-
- What is your average lead time for export orders?
-
- How do you handle urgent or large-volume projects?
Reliable suppliers will have a clear production timeline, a dedicated project management team, and contingency plans for unexpected delays.
3️⃣ How Transparent Is Your Quotation?
A clear and detailed quotation is a sign of professionalism.
Request a cost breakdown including:
-
- Raw materials
-
- Fabrication and welding
-
- Surface treatment (galvanizing or painting)
-
- Packaging and shipping
If the supplier avoids providing a breakdown or gives vague numbers, it may indicate hidden costs or lack of control over production.
4️⃣ Can You Provide Customized Design and Engineering Support?
Every steel structure project is unique. Some buyers already have complete drawings, while others need design optimization.
Ask:
-
- Do you have an in-house engineering team?
-
- Can you design or modify drawings based on our requirements?
-
- Do you use BIM or 3D modeling software for accuracy?
A manufacturer with engineering capability can help you reduce material waste, improve stability, and ensure compliance with local building codes.
5️⃣ What Experience Do You Have in Exporting and International Projects?
If you’re purchasing from an overseas supplier, international experience matters a lot.
You should ask:
-
- Which countries have you exported to?
-
- Can you handle customs documents (CO, CI, PL, BL, etc.)?
-
- How do you pack and load containers to prevent damage?
A manufacturer with proven export experience can simplify logistics, reduce risks, and ensure your materials arrive on time and in perfect condition.
6️⃣ Do You Offer Installation Guidance or After-Sales Support?
Even high-quality steel structures require proper installation.
Ask if the supplier can provide:
-
- Detailed installation manuals or videos
-
- Remote or on-site guidance from engineers
-
- After-sales support in case of technical issues
Good manufacturers treat after-sales service as part of the value chain, not as an afterthought. It shows commitment to your project’s success — even after delivery.
7️⃣ What Is the Scale and Capacity of Your Factory?
Factory strength directly reflects production capability and reliability.
Questions to ask include:
-
- What is your total workshop area?
-
- What’s your annual production capacity (in tons)?
-
- What kind of equipment do you use — CNC, plasma cutting, automatic welding lines?
-
- Can I visit the factory or get a virtual tour?
Seeing the factory (or even a detailed video) can help you confirm that the manufacturer is real, capable, and well-equipped.
8️⃣ What Are Your Past Project References?
Experience builds trust. Buyers want to work with manufacturers who have a proven project portfolio.
Ask for:
-
- Photos and details of past projects
-
- References from clients in similar industries
-
- Case studies showing challenges and solutions
A credible manufacturer will be proud to share past work — especially international or large-scale projects.
9️⃣ Can You Support Long-Term Cooperation and Stable Supply?
Large construction companies often seek reliable, long-term partnerships rather than one-time deals.
Ask the manufacturer:
-
- Do you have stable raw material suppliers?
-
- How do you handle repeat orders or annual contracts?
-
- Can you scale production if the project expands?
Manufacturers with a stable supply chain and flexible production capacity are ideal for clients planning multiple or long-term projects.
🔟 How Fast and Professionally Do You Communicate?
Communication efficiency is often the “invisible” factor behind project success.
Pay attention to:
-
- How quickly do they respond to emails or messages?
-
- Is their English communication clear and professional?
-
- Do they understand your technical drawings and specifications?
Fast, precise communication minimizes misunderstandings and keeps projects on schedule. A professional steel structure manufacturer values every inquiry and responds within 12–24 hours.
Conclusion
Choosing a steel structure manufacturer is not just about finding the lowest price — it’s about finding a trustworthy, experienced, and capable partner who can deliver quality, reliability, and technical support throughout your project lifecycle.
By asking these ten essential questions, you can confidently evaluate potential suppliers and avoid costly mistakes.
A strong manufacturer will answer transparently, show certifications proudly, and communicate clearly.
That’s the kind of partner who helps your business grow — project after project.
Quick Checklist for Buyers
| No. | Question | What You Should Expect |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What certifications do you have? | ISO, CE, EN, AWS, QC reports |
| 2 | What’s your production lead time? | Clear, documented schedule |
| 3 | Is your quotation transparent? | Detailed cost breakdown |
| 4 | Can you customize designs? | Yes, with in-house engineers |
| 5 | Do you have export experience? | Proven track record with documents |
| 6 | Do you offer installation support? | Manuals, videos, or on-site help |
| 7 | How big is your factory? | 10,000+ m² with automation |
| 8 | Do you have project references? | Case studies and client feedback |
| 9 | Can you ensure long-term supply? | Stable materials and production |
| 10 | How fast do you respond? | Within 12–24 hours |