| Product Design and Fit | Check whether the low-chassis structure supports freedom of movement around the legs, hips, and tail area. | Size options should be based on measurable waist, hip, and body-length ranges rather than weight alone. | Technical drawings, measurement chart, prototype photos, and fit samples tested on different body shapes. | 15% | One universal size or vague sizing information without tolerance ranges. |
| Material Safety | Confirm that fabrics, elastics, fasteners, coatings, and absorbent layers are suitable for prolonged skin contact. | Materials should be traceable, skin-friendly, and free from avoidable sharp edges or irritating components. | Material specifications, safety declarations, restricted-substance test reports, and component samples. | 15% | The manufacturer cannot identify material composition or provide documentation for supplied components. |
| Absorbency and Leakage Control | Evaluate the absorbent core, leak barriers, leg openings, and rear coverage under normal movement. | Performance should be validated with repeatable liquid-volume and movement-based tests; no universal absorbency claim applies to every dog. | Written test method, test conditions, sample results, and independent user-trial records. | 15% | Claims such as “leak-proof for all dogs” without test conditions or usage limits. |
| Construction Quality | Inspect stitching, seam strength, elastic recovery, hook-and-loop attachment, and edge finishing. | Critical seams should remain secure after repeated fastening, washing, stretching, and ordinary dog movement. | Pre-production samples, seam inspection checklist, wash-cycle results, and corrective-action records. | 15% | Loose threads, uneven stitching, exposed edges, or refusal to provide a production sample. |
| Comfort and Animal Welfare | Check breathability, pressure points, chafing risk, temperature comfort, and the ability to urinate or defecate normally. | The design should not restrict walking, sitting, grooming, circulation, or normal elimination. | Wear-trial protocol, fit feedback from multiple dogs, ventilation details, and care instructions. | 12% | The product relies on excessive tightness to prevent movement or leakage. |
| Quality Management | Assess whether incoming materials, in-process production, and final inspections are controlled and recorded. | A documented quality system should define inspection stages, acceptance criteria, batch records, and corrective actions. | Quality manual, inspection forms, sample inspection reports, audit results, and traceability records. | 12% | Quality checks depend only on visual inspection at the end of production. |
| Customization Capability | Review the ability to modify dimensions, absorbent materials, closures, colors, packaging, and care labels. | Custom changes should be documented through approved specifications and controlled sample revisions. | Product specification sheet, sample approval form, revision history, and production sign-off process. | 8% | Verbal promises are made, but revised drawings or approved samples are not recorded. |
| Order and Production Reliability | Review minimum order quantity, sample lead time, production capacity, and delivery planning. | Lead times should be stated in writing, with separate schedules for sampling, material procurement, production, and inspection. | Formal quotation, capacity statement, production schedule, and documented shipment history. | 8% | Unusually short delivery promises without a confirmed material and production plan. |
| Communication and Technical Support | Measure response quality, technical understanding, sample feedback, and ability to resolve defects. | A dependable supplier provides clear answers, written confirmations, and a defined escalation process. | Communication log, project contact list, issue-resolution procedure, and response-time records. | 5% | Responses are delayed, inconsistent, or limited to price discussions without technical details. |
| Packaging and Compliance Documentation | Confirm labeling, care instructions, batch identification, packaging durability, and destination-market requirements. | Documents should match the final product and support traceability from materials to finished goods. | Artwork approval, care-label draft, packing specification, carton markings, and compliance checklist. | 5% | Labels are added at the last minute or do not match the approved product specification. |