Checking a partner company
Checking a partner company before you work together across borders
Working with a partner in another country starts with trust. Before committing to a large project, take time to understand how the partner works, who makes decisions and how they communicate.
What to look at
- Past projects and the people involved
- Who has the authority to sign and approve
- How quickly and clearly they reply
- How they handle money: quotes, invoices and payment timing
- Whether their goals match yours
Ask good questions
Ask about a past project that did not go as planned and how they handled it. The answer often tells you more than a list of successes.
Start small
- Agree on a small pilot project with a clear deadline
- Review the result together and share honest feedback
- Decide on the next step based on what you learned
Communication across languages
Use short, clear sentences and confirm important points in writing. A shared summary after each meeting helps both sides avoid misunderstandings.