Help center
How sourcing on MiniQ works — verification, RFQs, escrow, reviews, and disputes.
How verification works
Every supplier listing earns one of four badges. Each tier adds proof on top of the last.
Account created on MiniQ. No proof submitted yet — these suppliers can quote but don't carry any verification badge.
Legal entity + tax docs reviewed by MiniQ ops. Confirms a real registered business exists at the stated address.
Physical factory verified via photos and address checks. Confirms they actually manufacture (vs. trade).
Third-party on-site audit (capacity, QC process, working conditions). Highest trust tier.
How reviews work
Buyers can leave a review on a supplier only after a real order completes. Each review captures a 1–5 overall rating plus optional subscores for Quality, Communication, and Response time. We show the running average per supplier on every profile.
A supplier earns the Buyer favorite badge when their average rating is 4.7 or higher across at least 10 reviews — same shape Airbnb uses for “Guest favorite”. Earned visibility, not bought.
How escrow payment works
When you accept a quote, we collect full payment into MiniQ escrow (not released to the supplier). Milestones are set at contract — sample approval, production complete, shipment confirmed. As you confirm each milestone, the slice for that milestone is released. MiniQ’s transaction fee (2–5% depending on tier) is deducted at disbursement.
RFQs — targeted vs broadcast
Posting an RFQ has two modes. Targeted sends only to the suppliers you pick — useful when you’ve already narrowed down candidates. Broadcast opens the RFQ to any verified factory in the chosen category; up to 50 may respond. You can switch modes when creating the RFQ.
Report IPR infringement
If a listing or supplier is infringing your intellectual property, use the Report button on the supplier or product page, or email ipr@miniq.app with the listing URL and evidence. We remove infringing content within 48 hours of verified reports.