A reference is a statement from someone who has dealt with the supplier. It is chosen by the supplier, so it is likely to be favourable, which does not make it worthless: well-aimed questions elicit specifics that a general endorsement hides. This guide covers what to request, what to ask and how to record what you hear.
A reference is useful for behaviour over time: how problems were handled, whether quoted terms held, how communication worked. It is weak on whether the supplier is right for you. So ask about episodes, not about general satisfaction.
Ask for references similar to you in order size and kind of product, not the largest name on the supplier's list.
Establishes that the relationship is real and comparable.
How it was raised, who responded and how it ended.
Price, lead time, specification, payment.
A hesitant answer is informative.
An open question can bring out the useful answer.
A named episode with details counts for more than praise.
Pauses and qualifications are data; note them.
A referee tied to the supplier by ownership or money should be recorded as such.
Consider it alongside register, site and sample results.
LATYNEX's supplier verification sets what public records and the supplier's own material show against what the supplier says. Referee calls are made by you; the report reads public sources and what you provide, and does not conduct checks on individuals.
Customer, subcontractor or distributor, and for what kind of work.
This lets the supplier prepare the referee and signals that you are serious.
Prefer a company address or domain that you can match to the referee's own organisation.
Write the date, the person, and what was said.
Research reports what can be established from public and provided sources. It is not a guarantee about a counterparty's future conduct and not legal advice.
Record it. It is not proof of a problem, but it leaves one source unused, so weigh other evidence more.
Public commercial reputation sources can be reviewed; they are less detailed than a conversation.
Yes, with date and name, in the same sheet as your other findings.
No obligation. We read your request and reply with a straight answer.
Tell us what you need to find out and by when. We confirm scope before any work starts.
Request research