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layout: default
title: Cookware Supplier Evaluation Scorecard
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# Cookware Supplier Evaluation Scorecard

📥 **[Download Raw Markdown Template](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/goldensea-kitchenware/cookware-sourcing-toolkit/main/supplier-evaluation-scorecard.md)** | 📄 **[View on GitHub](https://github.com/goldensea-kitchenware/cookware-sourcing-toolkit/blob/main/supplier-evaluation-scorecard.md)**

Use this scorecard to compare cookware suppliers after receiving catalogs, quotations, samples, factory information, and compliance documents. Adjust the weighting to match your project risk and business model.

> [!TIP]
> **Download Editable Excel Template**: You can download a professionally styled and formula-enabled Excel spreadsheet version of this scorecard to automate your supplier calculations:
> 📥 **[Download Supplier Evaluation Scorecard (.xlsx)]({{ '/downloads/Supplier-Evaluation-Scorecard.xlsx' | relative_url }})**

Scoring suggestion:
* **5** = Strong fit, clear evidence / certification provided
* **4** = Good fit, minor clarifications needed
* **3** = Acceptable, but requires close follow-up and monitoring
* **2** = Weak fit, limited capabilities or documentation
* **1** = High risk, poor fit
* **0** = Not provided or not applicable

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## Supplier Profile

| Field | Details |
| --- | --- |
| **Supplier Name** | `[e.g., Jiangmen Goldensea Housewares Limited]` |
| **Trading Company or Direct Manufacturer?** | `[e.g., Direct Manufacturer]` |
| **Factory Location** | `[e.g., Jiangmen, Guangdong, China]` |
| **Main Product Categories** | `[e.g., Tri-ply Stainless Steel Cookware]` |
| **Key Customers / Target Markets** | `[e.g., European retail brands / North American importers]` |
| **Social / Quality Audits Held** | `[e.g., BSCI (Grade B) / ISO 9001 / SMETA]` |
| **Review Date** | `[e.g., June 17, 2026]` |
| **Reviewer Name** | `[e.g., John Smith (Lead Buyer)]` |

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## Scorecard Overview

| Sourcing Criteria | Weight | Score (0-5) | Weighted Score | Key Strengths / Risks / Evidence |
| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | --- |
| **1. Material & Cladding Capability** | 15% | `[0-5]` | `[e.g., 0.60]` | `[e.g., Strong tri-ply line, SS316 interior available]` |
| **2. Factory Quality Audits (ISO 9001)** | 10% | `[0-5]` | `[e.g., 0.40]` | `[e.g., Valid ISO 9001 certificate, calibration logs verified]` |
| **3. Social Compliance (BSCI/SMETA)** | 10% | `[0-5]` | `[e.g., 0.40]` | `[e.g., BSCI Grade B, fire exits clear, PPE worn]` |
| **4. Raw Material Traceability (MTC)** | 10% | `[0-5]` | `[e.g., 0.50]` | `[e.g., Full MTC records per coil, chem analysis matches 304]`|
| **5. Multi-Stage QC Process (IQC/IPQC/FQC)**| 15% | `[0-5]` | `[e.g., 0.60]` | `[e.g., Independent IQC/FQC team, lab testing equipment on site]`|
| **6. Sample Quality & Dimensional Accuracy**| 15% | `[0-5]` | `[e.g., 0.75]` | `[e.g., Sample passed thermal shock & flatness checks]` |
| **7. B2B Commercial & Tooling Terms** | 10% | `[0-5]` | `[e.g., 0.40]` | `[e.g., MOQ 500 sets accepted, mold fee refunded at 5k units]` |
| **8. Communication & Project Management** | 15% | `[0-5]` | `[e.g., 0.60]` | `[e.g., Fast responses from sales, CAD drawings provided]` |
| **Total** | **100%** | | **`[e.g., 4.25] / 5.00`**| |

---

## Detailed Vetting Checkpoints

### 1. Material and Cladding Capability (15%)
*Check whether the factory has the engineering competence to manufacture advanced multi-ply clad vessels.*
* [ ] Can supply custom clad layer configurations (e.g., SS304 + Alu + SS430 or 5-Ply).
* [ ] Can provide exact thickness tolerances ($\pm 0.1\text{ mm}$) and product net weight sheets.
* [ ] Can perform sealed/rolled edge (closed rim) processing to protect the aluminum core.
* [ ] Offers induction compatibility (SS430 outer clad) with verified magnetic testing.
* [ ] Can explain how thickness and aluminum core variations affect heat distribution and cost.

### 2. Factory Quality Audits - ISO 9001 (10%)
*Evaluate the factory's Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure consistency across mass production runs.*
* [ ] Possesses a valid ISO 9001:2015 certificate from an accredited registrar.
* [ ] Has clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for stamping, welding, polishing, and packing.
* [ ] Has a documented procedure for controlling "non-conforming products" (rejection area and scrap records).
* [ ] Maintains calibration logs and calibration stickers on all measurement tools (thickness gauges, scales).
* [ ] Implements Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) when defect trends are detected.

### 3. Social Compliance & Safety - BSCI / SMETA (10%)
*Ensure the manufacturer complies with labor laws, health & safety requirements, and ethical standards.*
* [ ] Possesses a valid amfori BSCI audit report (Grade A, B, or C) or Sedex SMETA 4-pillar audit report.
* [ ] Occupational Health & Safety (OHS): Fire exits are unblocked, fire extinguishers are maintained, and PPE is worn by workers.
* [ ] Verified fair remuneration, legal overtime hours, and formal labor contracts for all employees.
* [ ] Zero tolerance compliance: No child labor, forced labor, or severe safety hazards on site.

### 4. Raw Material Traceability & MTC (10%)
*Prevent metallurgical substitution (e.g., replacing SUS304 with cheaper, low-nickel alloys during mass production).*
* [ ] Supplier provides official Mill Test Certificates (MTC) for each steel coil batch.
* [ ] Chemistry check: MTC confirms $\ge 16\%$ Chromium and $\ge 8\%$ Nickel (for SS304/18-10).
* [ ] The factory has a batch traceability system connecting raw metal coils to finished cookware boxes.
* [ ] Willing to allow raw material chemical verification (e.g., handheld XRF spectrometer check) by third-party QC.

### 5. Multi-Stage QC Process - IQC / IPQC / FQC (15%)
*Verify that the factory does not rely solely on pre-shipment inspections, but inspects quality at every stage.*
* [ ] **Incoming Quality Control (IQC):** Inspects raw steel coils, aluminum disks, handles, rivets, and glass lids before production.
* [ ] **In-Process Quality Control (IPQC):** Checks body stamping, handle welding/riveting, and polishing lines during production.
* [ ] **Final Quality Control (FQC):** Conducts $100\%$ visual checks for polishing residue, sharp burrs, and packing defects.
* [ ] **On-site Laboratory Testing:** Factory possesses testing equipment for thermal shock, handle pull-testing, salt spray corrosion, and dishwasher simulation.

### 6. Sample Quality & Engineering Checks (15%)
*Assess the physical quality of first samples using our test protocols.*
* [ ] **Flatness test:** Cold and hot states show zero rocking or spinning (concavity within $0.1\% - 0.5\%$).
* **Thermal Shock test:** Passes 5 cycles of heating to 200°C and plunging into cold water with zero delamination.
* **Polishing test:** Alcohol wipe test shows zero black polishing grease/wax residue.
* **Handle strength:** Secure attachment, comfortable grip, and zero rivet/weld loosening under load.
* **Lid fit:** Snug closure with lateral clearance $< 1.5\text{ mm}$.

### 8. B2B Commercial & Tooling Terms (10%)
*Check the supplier's commercial terms for alignment with B2B buying policies.*
* [ ] Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is reasonable or negotiable for test orders (e.g., 500 sets).
* [ ] Payment terms align with standard practices (30% deposit, 70% after QC pass).
* [ ] Tooling fees are transparent, and a clear mold fee refund threshold is written into the agreement.
* [ ] Pricing is competitive and details packaging, sample fees, and shipping terms (FOB).

### 9. Communication and Project Management (15%)
*Verify the team's response speed, technical knowledge, and willingness to cooperate.*
* [ ] Sales team responds directly to technical RFQ questions instead of sending general catalogs.
* [ ] Technical team flags missing drawing details or potential manufacturing challenges early.
* [ ] Transparency: Factory allows third-party QC inspectors full access to production lines.
* [ ] Language proficiency: Sales team communicates technical specs clearly in English (and/or target languages).

---

## Sourcing Decision Summary

[ ] **Approved (Primary Supplier):** Score $\ge 4.2$, meets all QMS, social compliance, and technical specs.  
[ ] **Approved (Backup Supplier):** Score $3.5 - 4.1$, acceptable quality but requires closer monitoring.  
[ ] **Hold / Re-evaluate:** Requires corrective action plan (CAPA) or revised samples.  
[ ] **Rejected:** Score $< 3.5$, or failed critical social/safety compliance.

*Reviewer Notes:* __________________________________________________________________________________________
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