Alibaba is a great directory, but it is also a jungle. For every real factory, there are 10 trading companies pretending to be factories.
As a manufacturer who deals with international buyers every day, we hear the horror stories: samples that look great but bulk orders that fall apart; prices that double after the deposit is paid.
How do you protect your business? Here are 5 Red Flags to watch out for when sourcing bags online.
Red Flag 1: The “Everything Store”
If a supplier sells backpacks, but also sells phone cases, t-shirts, and kitchenware… Run. Real factories are specialized. At BagMakerPro, we only make bags. We have specific machinery for sewing heavy fabrics like canvas and nylon. We don’t have injection molds for plastic toys. Specialized factories produce stable quality.
Red Flag 2: Using “Stock Photos”
Does their product photo look like it was stolen from a famous brand like Herschel or Samsonite? It probably was. The Fix: Ask for a photo of that specific bag sitting on the factory floor. If they can’t send it instantly via WhatsApp, they don’t have the bag.
Red Flag 3: The MOQ is “1 Piece”
Unless they are selling leftover stock, no real OEM factory can start a custom production run for 1 piece. Setting up the production line costs money. Extremely low MOQs usually indicate a reseller dropshipping generic goods, not a manufacturer creating your brand.
(Note: We offer flexible low MOQs for startups, like 200pcs, but “1 piece custom” is a myth in manufacturing.)
Red Flag 4: They Refuse a Video Call
In 2026, there is no excuse. If a supplier refuses a live video call to walk you through the production line, they are likely hiding something (or they are sitting in an office building, not a factory).
Red Flag 5: The Price is “Too Good to Be True”
Some traders quote an impossibly low price to get your deposit, then demand more money before shipping, claiming “material costs went up.” Our Promise: As a direct factory, our quote is based on real material and labor costs. We lock in the price once the contract is signed.
Why Sourcing from a Direct Factory Website is Safer
When you contact us through BagMakerPro.com, you are talking directly to the project managers at the factory in Baigou.
- No Middlemen: Save the 15-30% commission that traders add.
- Direct Communication: Talk to the people who actually schedule your production.
- Real Responsibility: If there is an issue, we fix it. We don’t blame a “sub-supplier.”
Ready to work with a transparent partner? Check out our [Factory Tour Video] or schedule a live WhatsApp call with our team today.