How can you verify if an overseas buyer is trustworthy?

In simple terms, it's about confirming, "Can I send goods to this buyer and actually receive payment?" It's a crucial step before any transaction.

The reasons for buyer verification are clear. It helps prevent situations where you send goods but don't get paid, attempts at fraud by fake buyers, risks of dealing with companies with poor credit, and difficulties in responding to legal disputes.

Here’s a free verification method you can do yourself. Use it for initial screening.

**Online Search**: Google search for company name + country name, search for '[company name] scam' or '[company name] fraud', check for website existence, verify website creation date on whois.com.

**Website Verification**: Check address/contact information, detail on the company introduction page, existence of employee/team page, presence of SSL certificate (https).

**Social Media/Online Activity**: LinkedIn company page, Facebook/Instagram business account, activity history in industry forums/communities.

When basic verification is insufficient, utilize credit investigations from professional institutions. We recommend this before first transactions or large-scale deals.

Video meetings are one of the most effective ways to validate buyers. You can directly confirm the presence of actual representatives, the company environment (office/factory), understanding of the product, and business capabilities.

Before the meeting, share your company introduction and catalog, and prepare a list of questions. It’s also a good idea to request consent for recording the meeting.

Learn about common types of trade fraud and how to prevent them. Knowing in advance can help you avoid them.

The recommended payment terms vary by transaction stage. Start with strictly safe conditions at first, and gradually ease them as the relationship develops. When relaxing the terms, we recommend obtaining trade insurance.

In simple terms, it's "insurance that compensates you even if the buyer doesn't pay." It's an export payment guarantee insurance provided by the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-SURE).

This is the final checklist you can use for buyer verification. Use it according to the situation.

**Principle: Do not send goods to unverified buyers before receiving payment!**