CRITICAL RED FLAGS - Immediate Disqualification
SEVERITY: CRITICAL - DO NOT PROCEED
1
No Third-Party Testing Capability
Supplier refuses, deflects, or cannot provide certificates of analysis from independent laboratories. Claims "internal testing is sufficient" or provides only in-house documentation without external verification.
ACTION: Terminate evaluation immediately. Non-negotiable requirement.
2
Pressure to Use Cryptocurrency Exclusively
Insists on Bitcoin, Monero, or other cryptocurrencies as the only payment method. Refuses traditional payment options or claims "crypto only for international orders." This eliminates all buyer protection and dispute resolution.
ACTION: Reject supplier. Legitimate operations offer traceable payment methods.
3
Wildly Inconsistent Pricing Across Batches
Same compound fluctuates 300-500% between quotes without market justification. Price today: $180/10mg. Same compound next week: $650/10mg. Indicates unreliable sourcing or arbitrary pricing manipulation.
ACTION: Walk away. Suggests unstable supply chain or deceptive practices.
4
No Physical Business Address Verification
Lists only email contact, PO Box, or virtual office address. Google Street View shows residential building, vacant lot, or non-existent location. Cannot or will not provide facility photos or verification.
ACTION: Disqualify immediately. Ghost operations are untraceable when problems arise.
5
Refusal to Provide Retention Samples
Will not retain reference samples from each batch for future testing or dispute resolution. Claims "we don't keep samples" or "batch is too small to save material." Eliminates verification pathway if contamination suspected.
ACTION: Reject supplier. Retention samples are industry standard for quality operations.
6
Website Disappears After Negative Reviews
Research reveals pattern of domain cycling. Current site is 3 months old, but identical product photos appear on defunct sites from previous years. Supplier "rebrand" coincides with complaint escalation on previous domain.
ACTION: Immediate disqualification. Pattern indicates systematic fraud and evasion.
7
Selling Prescription Medications Without Requirements
Offers semaglutide, tirzepatide, or other prescription-only compounds without prescription verification, medical oversight requirements, or age verification. "No questions asked" or "research purposes" disclaimers that are legally meaningless.
ACTION: Terminate immediately. Criminal operation with zero regulatory compliance.
8
COA Fabrication Evidence
Certificate metadata reveals creation date after supposed testing date. Different batches show identical HPLC chromatograms (statistically impossible). Laboratory listed on COA has no record of performing the test or doesn't exist.
ACTION: Immediate rejection and potential fraud reporting. Document evidence thoroughly.
9
Impossible Purity Claims Without Data
Advertises ">99.5% purity" or "pharmaceutical grade" without supporting HPLC data, mass spectrometry confirmation, or independent testing. Marketing language exceeds documented capabilities.
ACTION: Disqualify. Unsubstantiated claims indicate either incompetence or intentional deception.
10
No Return/Refund Policy for Contaminated Product
"All sales final" policy with no recourse for objectively contaminated, mislabeled, or wrong product. Refuses to address failed third-party testing results. No quality guarantee or customer protection mechanism.
ACTION: Reject supplier. Legitimate vendors stand behind product quality with guarantees.
MAJOR RED FLAGS - Serious Concern Territory
SEVERITY: MAJOR - HIGH RISK, PROCEED ONLY WITH EXTREME CAUTION
1
Generic Stock Photos Instead of Actual Product
Website uses identical stock images found on 15+ other supplier sites. Reverse image search reveals photos from Chinese wholesale platforms. No unique photography of actual facility, equipment, or product packaging.
ACTION: Demand actual product photos with unique identifiers before proceeding.
2
Evasive About Manufacturing Source
Cannot or will not disclose whether they manufacture in-house or source from third parties. Vague answers like "we work with partners globally" or "our network of laboratories." Refuses to specify country of origin for compounds.
ACTION: Require explicit disclosure of synthesis location and supply chain before purchase.
3
Inconsistent Communication Quality
Initial emails are professional and detailed. Post-payment responses become terse, delayed 48-72 hours, or grammatically degraded. Different "representatives" contradict each other on policies or technical specs.
ACTION: Document all communications. Escalate inconsistencies before additional purchases.
4
No Batch Number Traceability System
Products ship without batch numbers, lot codes, or manufacturing dates. When questioned, supplier provides generic numbers that don't link to specific COAs or production records. No system for tracking individual batches.
ACTION: Require batch documentation implementation before continued business relationship.
5
Shipping From Undisclosed Countries
Website claims US-based operation, but packages arrive from China, India, or Eastern Europe with no prior disclosure. Customs declarations show different company names than vendor brand. Shipping origin contradicts stated business location.
ACTION: Demand shipping transparency. Evaluate customs/import risk before reorder.
6
Dramatic Negative Review Pattern Shift
Six months ago: consistent positive feedback. Recent three months: multiple reports of failed testing, shipping delays, unresponsive customer service. Pattern suggests quality degradation or business model change.
ACTION: Investigate recent reviews thoroughly. Contact recent buyers directly if possible.
7
Minimal Web Presence or SEO Footprint
Zero independent mentions outside own website. No forum discussions, Reddit threads, or Trustpilot reviews. Domain registered less than 6 months ago. No social media presence or industry connections.
ACTION: Treat as unproven entity. Start with minimum test order if proceeding at all.
8
Testing Data Doesn't Match Product Received
COA shows testing for 10mg vial, but product received is 5mg. Purity certificate dated three months before synthesis date on vial label. Batch number on documentation doesn't match batch number on physical product.
ACTION: Halt use immediately. Contact supplier for explanation. Conduct independent testing.
9
Pressure Tactics for Bulk Purchase Commitment
"This price only valid for next 24 hours." "Must order 10+ vials to unlock testing." "Bulk discount expires today." Creates artificial urgency to prevent thorough vetting or small test orders.
ACTION: Resist urgency manipulation. Legitimate suppliers accommodate cautious evaluation.
10
No Clear Customer Service Escalation Path
Only contact method is single email address or Telegram account. No phone number, ticket system, or management escalation option. Problems get ignored or generic responses with no resolution pathway.
ACTION: Establish communication expectations in writing before purchase commitment.
11
Suspiciously Low Pricing vs Market
Compound typically priced at $200-250 across verified suppliers offered at $89. Price 60%+ below market average without explanation for discount. "Too good to be true" pricing without transparency about why.
ACTION: Investigate pricing rationale. Extreme discounts often indicate quality compromise.
12
Changing Terms After Payment
Initial quote includes testing and tracking. After payment, "testing costs extra" or "tracking not available for your country." Bait-and-switch on shipping timelines, refund policies, or included services.
ACTION: Document all pre-purchase agreements. Demand written confirmation of terms.
13
No Proper Storage or Handling Documentation
Cannot specify storage temperature during transit or warehousing. No cold chain documentation for temperature-sensitive compounds. Vague answers about shipping conditions: "We pack it well."
ACTION: Require specific storage and shipping protocols before temperature-sensitive orders.
14
Product Appearance Inconsistent Across Orders
First order: crystalline white powder. Second order same compound: yellowish clumpy material. Reconstitution behavior changes between batches without explanation. Visual quality degradation suggests sourcing inconsistency.
ACTION: Conduct side-by-side testing. Question supplier about manufacturing changes.
15
Legal Disclaimer Overload
Website plastered with "Not for human consumption," "Research only," "No liability accepted" disclaimers while simultaneously marketing for personal use. Legal language designed to evade responsibility rather than clarify appropriate use.
ACTION: Evaluate true intended use vs legal theater. Excessive disclaimers signal regulatory evasion.
MODERATE RED FLAGS - Proceed With Caution
SEVERITY: MODERATE - HEIGHTENED VIGILANCE REQUIRED
1
Limited Product Information Depth
Product pages provide only basic description and price. No molecular weight, sequence information, storage recommendations, or reconstitution guidance. Minimal technical documentation available.
ACTION: Request comprehensive product specifications. Assess technical competency from response.
2
Slow or Unpredictable Shipping Times
Advertises 5-7 day delivery but actual fulfillment takes 14-21 days consistently. No tracking updates for extended periods. Vague explanations: "Customs delays" or "High volume" without specifics.
ACTION: Build extended timeline buffer. Monitor pattern across multiple orders.
3
Cookie-Cutter Website Template
Site uses generic peptide supplier template seen across multiple vendors. Minimal customization or unique branding. Suggests low investment in business infrastructure or dropship operation.
ACTION: Not disqualifying alone, but increases scrutiny on other verification factors.
4
Limited Payment Options
Only accepts Zelle, Venmo, or other peer-to-peer payment methods that offer no buyer protection. No credit card option available. Payment methods limit dispute resolution pathways.
ACTION: Request additional payment options. If unavailable, limit order size to reduce risk exposure.
5
Vague "About Us" Information
Company background section provides no founding date, team information, or specific credentials. Generic mission statement without substance: "We are committed to quality and customer satisfaction."
ACTION: Research business registration and corporate structure independently.
6
No Independent Testing Incentives or Programs
Doesn't offer testing credits, reimbursement for independent verification, or blind sample programs. Neutral stance on customer testing rather than actively encouraging it.
ACTION: Factor independent testing costs into total purchase budget from this supplier.
7
Forum Presence But Mixed Credibility Signals
Active on Reddit or peptide forums but engages in subtle self-promotion. Some positive reviews feel astroturfed. Defensive responses to criticism rather than constructive problem-solving.
ACTION: Distinguish genuine community engagement from marketing theater. Weight verified user experiences more heavily.
8
Packaging Quality Inconsistency
Sometimes ships in professional pharmaceutical-grade vials, other times generic Chinese containers. Labeling quality varies from printed professional labels to handwritten batch numbers. Suggests inconsistent sourcing.
ACTION: Monitor packaging trends. Request explanation for material changes.
9
Response Time Degradation Pattern
Pre-sale inquiries answered within hours. Post-purchase questions take 2-3 days. Support quality highest during sales cycle, diminishes after payment. Suggests prioritization of acquisition over retention.
ACTION: Test post-purchase support before committing to larger orders or long-term relationship.
10
Limited Compound Selection
Carries only 5-10 compounds while competitors offer 30-50+. Either highly specialized (potentially good) or limited capacity operation (potentially concerning). Narrow inventory may indicate sourcing constraints.
ACTION: Assess whether specialization adds value or signals operational limitations.
MINOR RED FLAGS - Monitor Closely
SEVERITY: MINOR - ACCEPTABLE WITH MONITORING
1
Occasional Typographical Errors
Website or emails contain minor spelling mistakes or grammatical inconsistencies. Not pervasive but noticeable. May indicate rushed content creation or non-native English speakers (not inherently problematic but worth noting).
ACTION: Monitor for pattern escalation. Minor errors acceptable; pervasive issues suggest low quality control.
2
Limited Social Proof
Few reviews or testimonials available. Not necessarily negative reviews, just limited volume of feedback. Newer operation or low-profile business model without extensive customer base documentation.
ACTION: Approach as unproven supplier. Start with small test order to establish track record.
3
Generic Email Domain
Customer service uses Gmail, Yahoo, or Protonmail instead of branded company domain.
[email protected] replaced by
[email protected]. Suggests minimal infrastructure investment.
ACTION: Not disqualifying alone but reduces professional credibility. Factor into overall assessment.
4
Minimal Educational Content
Website offers products but no dosing guides, reconstitution tutorials, storage best practices, or educational resources. Purely transactional approach without value-added information.
ACTION: Assess whether you need supplier education or have sufficient independent knowledge.
5
No Loyalty or Repeat Customer Programs
Treats every order as one-off transaction. No volume discounts, repeat customer recognition, or relationship-building incentives. Suggests transactional business model focused on customer acquisition over retention.
ACTION: Evaluate total cost over time. Lack of loyalty programs acceptable if base pricing is competitive.
6
Shipping Packaging Over/Under Engineered
Either excessive packaging (five layers of bubble wrap for single vial) or minimal protection (loose vial in padded envelope). Both extremes suggest inexperience with peptide shipping best practices.
ACTION: Provide feedback. Monitor whether packaging improves with experience.
7
Limited International Shipping Experience
Domestic orders smooth, but international shipments encounter unexpected customs issues or delays. Supplier learning curve on cross-border logistics evident. Not malicious, but operationally immature.
ACTION: If ordering internationally, factor learning curve into timeline expectations.
8
Inconsistent Promotional Messaging
Email promotions don't match website pricing. Discount codes work intermittently. Promotional calendar seems ad hoc rather than strategic. Suggests disorganized marketing but not fundamental business problems.
ACTION: Always verify final price before payment. Request clarification on promotional terms.
9
Minimal Industry Certifications or Accreditations
No GMP claims, ISO certifications, or third-party quality audit documentation. Not necessarily fraudulent, just operating without formal quality management systems. Common among smaller peptide suppliers.
ACTION: Compensate with rigorous independent testing requirements on your end.
10
Communication Outside Standard Business Hours
Emails arrive at 2 AM or 11 PM local time consistently. Suggests either international operation with timezone confusion or single-person operation without structured business hours. Not problematic if responsive, but worth noting.
ACTION: Establish communication expectations. Clarify timezone and expected response windows.