Not all kitchen cabinet suppliers in China are created equal. While many trading companies present polished brochures or boast international-looking websites, what really matters is whether they own and operate their own production lines. If you’re trying to avoid the pitfalls of dealing with a middleman, here are six subtle yet powerful clues that indicate you’re working with a legitimate manufacturer—not just a reseller with a flashy pitch.

The first thing to look for is the supplier’s willingness to accept small, trial orders. Genuine cabinet factories usually have flexible production capabilities and understand that international buyers often want to test quality and finishes before placing larger orders. If the supplier is comfortable producing and shipping even 1–3 full sets of cabinets, that’s a strong sign of a real production setup. In contrast, trading companies tend to push for high minimum order quantities, as they lack in-house manufacturing and rely on batch production from subcontractors.
Another important indicator is how detailed their quotation is. Real manufacturers will provide itemized quotes that break down every cost—cabinet carcass materials, door panel finishes, hardware brands, accessory upgrades, and even labor or packaging. This level of transparency shows that they are in control of their supply chain and costing. If a supplier avoids breaking down costs and only offers a per-meter “all-inclusive” price, chances are they’re hiding something—or they don’t even know their true material inputs.

A real factory also won’t bait you with “free design” promises. Instead, they’ll likely charge a modest but meaningful design or drawing fee, typically ranging from ¥500 to ¥2000. This charge covers the development of production-ready technical drawings or 3D renderings by their in-house design team. By charging a fee, they show they value the design process—and you gain ownership of the drawings, which adds protection and professionalism to the collaboration.
Another way to tell the real from the fake is to ask about pricing flexibility with order volume. Authentic cabinet manufacturers operate on economies of scale and will gladly explain how costs decrease as quantity increases. For example, the per-linear-meter cost of a 10-set order may be notably higher than that of a 100-set order due to material batching, labor allocation, and process efficiency. A flat price across quantities, with no discount for bulk, is a strong sign you’re not dealing directly with a factory.

Technical upgrades are also revealing. If the supplier can clearly quote the added cost for premium materials—such as anti-fingerprint laminates, UV lacquered finishes, or branded hardware like Blum or Hettich—this suggests they are deeply involved in production and material sourcing. Real factories treat these features as modular add-ons. Meanwhile, traders often use them vaguely, citing “European standard hardware” without specifying brands or pricing.
Finally, payment structure says a lot. Reputable manufacturers will usually offer phased payment terms, such as 30% upfront to confirm the order, 50% upon completion of mass production, and the remaining 20% after inspection or before shipment. This approach demonstrates operational maturity and transparency, protecting both parties. On the other hand, a demand for full payment up front — or unusually large deposits with no built-in production checkpoints—should be a red flag.

Taken together, these clues reveal far more than a company’s website ever will. If a supplier accepts flexible orders, provides transparent breakdowns, supports design with internal resources, explains pricing logic, itemizes upgrades, and offers staged payments—you’re most likely working with a real kitchen cabinet manufacturer in China.