Checklists
Supplier due diligence checklist
Taking on a new supplier means taking on their problems too. This checklist keeps the basics tight so a supplier issue does not become your issue.
Updated 2026-06-20 · 7 min read
Before the first order
- Confirm the legal entity and NZBN, not just the trading name.
- Check the company is currently registered and in good standing.
- Note the incorporation date and entity type.
- Confirm the registered office and contact details match what you were given.
- Check the name on quotes and contracts is the same legal entity you verified.
Before you commit to anything large
The bigger the spend or the more you depend on the supplier, the deeper the check. For a one off small order, the basics may be enough. For a supplier you will rely on, look wider.
- Understand who controls the company and whether related companies are involved.
- Look for any public record of regulatory or enforcement action relevant to their work.
- Ask for references and confirm the work history independently where you can.
- Be clear about payment terms and what happens if they cannot deliver.
Keep watching after you sign
Supplier risk does not stop at onboarding. A supplier that was solid last year can change. Monitoring the legal entity means a change in status reaches you while you can still act on it.
Questions and answers
How much due diligence is enough for a supplier?
Match the depth to the risk. A small one off purchase needs the basics. A supplier you depend on, or a large commitment, deserves a wider check and ongoing monitoring.
Should I recheck existing suppliers?
Yes. The companies you onboarded a year ago may have changed. Rechecking key suppliers, or monitoring them, catches problems you would otherwise miss.
Check a company before you commit
Run due diligence on any New Zealand company and see the full picture in one place.