| Quote Comparison | Product price basis | Compare prices on the same specification, finish, sensor type, and accessories. | Ask for a unit price, tooling charges, packaging cost, documentation fee, and any certification cost as separate line items. | Confirm that every quotation includes the same faucet configuration and does not exclude the solenoid valve, control box, batteries, or mounting hardware. | A low headline price may indicate missing components or a lower-grade sensor and valve assembly. |
| Quote Comparison | Minimum order quantity | Record MOQ by finish, model, and customized packaging rather than using one general MOQ. | Request the standard MOQ, mixed-model MOQ, trial-order quantity, and surcharge for quantities below MOQ. | Check whether the supplier permits a small pilot order before committing to a production quantity. | High MOQs increase inventory exposure, especially when a model has not completed field testing. |
| Quote Comparison | Lead time | Separate sample lead time, production lead time, inspection time, and transit time. | Obtain a written schedule with the start point defined as purchase-order approval, deposit receipt, or artwork approval. | Compare the promised schedule with the supplier’s recent production records for similar products. | An unspecified start point makes delivery promises difficult to enforce. |
| Quote Comparison | Payment terms | Use staged payments tied to order confirmation, production completion, and pre-shipment inspection where commercially practical. | Request accepted currencies, deposit percentage, balance timing, bank charges, and payment protection options. | Ensure payment milestones are linked to measurable deliverables and approved inspection results. | A full prepayment requirement can increase recovery risk if quality or delivery problems occur. |
| Sample Testing | Sensor activation | The faucet should activate consistently at the specified detection range without unintended triggering. | Request the sensor type, detection range, response time, operating angle, and adjustment method. | Perform repeated activation tests from different hand positions and under different lighting conditions. | Inconsistent activation can lead to poor user experience, water waste, or complaints in public facilities. |
| Sample Testing | Shut-off performance | Water flow should stop promptly when hands leave the detection zone, with no continuous dripping after shut-off. | Request the shut-off delay setting, drip-control design, and solenoid-valve operating specifications. | Run repeated on/off cycles and inspect the outlet after shut-off for residual dripping. | Delayed shut-off or dripping may increase water consumption and maintenance calls. |
| Sample Testing | Water-flow performance | Verify flow rate against the target specification and applicable local water-efficiency requirements. | Request the rated flow rate, test pressure, aerator details, and available flow-control options. | Measure flow at more than one water pressure and confirm that the outlet remains stable. | Flow-rate claims are not comparable unless the test pressure and aerator configuration are identical. |
| Sample Testing | Leak and pressure test | No leakage should occur at the body, joints, cartridge, inlet connection, or valve assembly during the agreed pressure test. | Request the factory pressure-test method, test duration, pressure level, and inspection record format. | Inspect all connections before and after a controlled pressure test; check for seepage around seals and threads. | Leaks that appear only under pressure may not be identified during a basic visual inspection. |
| Sample Testing | Power system | Confirm whether the model uses batteries, mains power, or a dual-power configuration and document the required input. | Request battery type and quantity, expected battery life basis, adapter specifications, cable length, and safety documents. | Test activation after repeated use and verify that the battery compartment or power connection is secure and serviceable. | Battery-life estimates are meaningful only when the assumed daily activation count is stated. |
| Sample Testing | Material and finish | Confirm the specified body material, surface treatment, finish code, and corrosion-resistance requirement. | Request the material declaration, finish process, coating or plating specification, and care instructions. | Check dimensions, surface uniformity, sharp edges, visible defects, thread quality, and finish consistency. | A finish name alone does not define the coating system or its durability. |
| Warranty | Coverage period | Record separate coverage periods for the faucet body, electronic parts, sensor, solenoid valve, and finish. | Request the complete warranty document, start date, covered defects, exclusions, labor terms, and shipping responsibility. | Confirm that warranty terms match the quotation, purchase order, packaging, and product documentation. | A general warranty statement may exclude the electronic components most likely to require replacement. |
| Warranty | Replacement-part availability | Common service parts should have defined part numbers and an agreed availability period. | Request prices and lead times for sensors, solenoid valves, aerators, cartridges, seals, battery holders, and control modules. | Ask the supplier to identify replaceable parts and demonstrate at least one routine maintenance procedure. | A low purchase price can become expensive if the complete faucet must be replaced for a minor component failure. |
| After-Sales Support | Response time | Agree on a support-response target for normal questions and a faster escalation route for active water leaks or safety issues. | Request support contact channels, business hours, escalation contacts, languages supported, and ticket-tracking method. | Send the same technical question to shortlisted suppliers and compare the clarity and speed of their replies. | Fast pre-sale communication does not automatically demonstrate reliable post-sale support. |
| After-Sales Support | Troubleshooting documentation | Documentation should include installation, sensor adjustment, cleaning, fault codes, wiring, and part replacement instructions. | Request editable manuals, installation drawings, spare-part diagrams, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting flowcharts. | Have an installer follow the instructions without verbal assistance and record unclear or missing steps. | Incomplete instructions increase installation errors and make warranty diagnosis slower. |
| After-Sales Support | Defect and replacement process | Agree on evidence requirements, response deadlines, replacement approval, freight responsibility, and credit or refund rules. | Request the formal claim procedure and define how defective units, photographs, videos, samples, and inspection reports will be handled. | Use a written defect classification system covering cosmetic, functional, leakage, electronic, and packaging issues. | Without a documented process, responsibility for defective goods can be disputed after shipment. |
| Final Decision | Supplier scorecard | Use weighted scoring instead of selecting solely on the lowest unit price. | Score quotation completeness, sample performance, quality controls, warranty, parts availability, response quality, and total landed cost. | Approve a supplier only after reviewing the signed specification, approved sample, warranty terms, and after-sales process. | The best sourcing option is usually the one with the lowest credible total cost and manageable operational risk. |
