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Can a legitimate distributor still be the wrong partner?
Yes. Establishing that a company exists is only one part of deciding whether its capabilities and proposed terms fit your product and appointment.
An active company record answers an identity question. It does not answer whether the distributor can reach your customers, support your product, fund the stock or perform the proposed importing role. Keep identity and commercial fit as separate questions.
Test capability against your actual needs
Ask for evidence of relevant customers, comparable product experience, service capacity and the people assigned to your line. The International Trade Administration’s selection checklist examines sales coverage, product compatibility, facilities and customer profile. Tailor these questions to the territory and responsibilities you are proposing.
Test the arrangement as well as the company
A capable business may still request credit you cannot support, exclusivity without useful milestones or a resale price that depends on an unconfirmed cost. Write down the condition that would make each term acceptable and the evidence needed to assess it. Legal wording belongs with qualified counsel.
Make a decision without making an accusation
An evidence gap can justify holding an appointment without implying dishonesty. Ask whether the gap can be resolved before your deadline and whether the remaining exposure is acceptable to you. Tradezur assesses one named appointment; it does not search for alternatives, audit the company or guarantee its future performance.
General decision guidance. Product-specific requirements and legal terms need appropriately qualified advice.