Safe trading checklist for buyers and suppliers

Make checks proportional to the order

Good trading decisions depend on the counterparty, product, route and transaction terms. A small sample purchase and a large custom order may need different checks, but both require clear identities and a shared understanding of the agreement.

Every ATP buyer and supplier account is reviewed and approved before full access. The exact verification checks are [TO CONFIRM]. Approval is an access decision, not a guarantee of payment, product quality or delivery.

ATP is a platform only. It does not buy, sell, stock, deliver or handle payments between users. Buyers and suppliers agree price, payment, delivery and returns directly, so each party should assess the risks it is accepting.

Check the business and representative

Before making a commitment:

• Confirm the name of the business that will sign and invoice.
• Understand whether the supplier manufactures, distributes or trades.
• Check the representative’s authority to discuss the order.
• Compare company names across relevant documents.
• Verify material claims through appropriate independent sources.

A consistent profile is useful, but it is not conclusive evidence. Explain legitimate differences between a trading name and a legal entity. Be cautious when the contracting business changes without a clear reason during negotiations.

Buyers should check the proposed supplier and any third-party fulfilment arrangements. Suppliers should check the buyer’s purchasing authority and ability to meet the agreed payment obligations.

Confirm the product and supporting evidence

Agree an identifiable specification rather than relying on photographs or broad descriptions. Document the model, material, dimensions, grade, quantity and packaging. State whether an alternative product is acceptable.

For relevant products, review certificates and test reports for issuer, validity and exact scope. Consider samples or inspection where appropriate and agree who arranges them, their purpose and how results affect acceptance.

A successful sample does not by itself establish that a production batch will be identical. Decide what evidence or inspection will be required before shipment or acceptance. Do not assume ATP inspects the goods.

Write down the commercial agreement

Confirm the current quotation, currency, total price, inclusions and exclusions. Agree payment milestones, production timing, delivery responsibilities and returns or remedies where applicable.

If using an Incoterms rule, specify the rule, named place and version. Confirm the practical shipping and customs arrangements with qualified providers. Keep a record of changes so neither side relies on an earlier quotation.

All messages go through the portal, with email addresses and phone numbers hidden. Record important decisions there, while preparing any formal transaction documents required between the businesses.

Check payment instructions before acting

Do not make a payment simply because a message sounds urgent. Check the beneficiary identity and any unexpected change to bank details through an independently established verification process appropriate to your business.

Suppliers should confirm funds with their bank rather than relying on screenshots or a buyer’s transfer notice. Buyers should understand the risk of advance payment and discuss suitable payment structures with their bank where needed.

ATP does not hold trade money, provide escrow or process refunds between users. No portal subscription or deal stage should be interpreted as payment protection.

Plan delivery and receiving checks

Confirm who books transport, provides shipping documents and handles import requirements. Verify important document details against the actual order. Agree inspection and receiving procedures before dispatch, including how discrepancies will be reported.

Keep records of packaging, quantities and agreed milestones. For damage or shortage, act promptly under the agreed transport, insurance and contract arrangements. The portal’s complaint and dispute support process is [TO CONFIRM].

Pause when something changes unexpectedly

Stop and clarify if the product, contracting business, payment beneficiary or delivery route changes materially. Save relevant messages and documents. If you suspect fraud, contact your bank promptly where money is involved and use the relevant reporting authorities.

Deals are tracked as New, Replied, Quotation Sent, Negotiating, Deal Agreed and Closed. They help organise discussions but do not replace these checks. ATP charges annual subscriptions only, with no commission on trade.

Next step: Review the profile of a potential counterparty.