In supply chain management, how to gaze supplier before the meeting? What factors should be considered before finalizing the supplier?

Before finalizing any supplier, it is necessary to test his existance in the relevant field & his previous customers. Also his manufacturing capacity which he can produce & able to supply to meet the demand levels.The most important is quality factor that whether he is capable to meet the quality specifications as provided or not.

The other important factors like Payment & Delivery terms. Ready to keep stock (RM & FG) to support. Ready to support in case of demand peaks.