The vendor looks fine, but we have not checked.
Use ten prompts to slow down just enough to notice obvious warning signs.
Free practical resource
10 Red Flags When Onboarding New Vendors
A quick, plain-English checklist for spotting issues that deserve another question before you approve a new vendor.
Download the free checklistFree · One-page PDF
Who it is for
Useful for anyone making a vendor decision without a formal review team.
- Small-business owners
- Operations and office managers
- Finance and administrative teams
- IT and security staff
- Anyone reviewing a new supplier, contractor, or service provider
Problems it solves
A practical response to the questions that slow important decisions.
We do not have time for a formal assessment.
Complete a quick first-pass review before money, access, or information changes hands.
Something feels off, but we cannot explain why.
Turn concerns into specific follow-up questions and documentation requests.
What is included
Know exactly what you are getting.
Built for practical use without specialized software or a consulting engagement.
- Ten practical vendor warning signs
- Clear guidance on what to do when a red flag appears
- Print-friendly one-page PDF
- No purchase and no specialized software required
How it works
A clear path from initial setup to a documented, repeatable process.
- 01
Review the checklist
Scan the ten warning signs before signing, paying, or sharing sensitive information.
- 02
Mark anything that applies
A red flag is a reason to ask more questions, not an automatic rejection.
- 03
Request clarification or evidence
Ask the vendor to resolve inconsistencies and provide relevant documentation.
- 04
Choose the appropriate next step
Proceed, pause, escalate, or use a structured pre-screening process.
Practical uses
Use it when the decision matters, but time is limited.
- Before signing a new service agreement
- Before sending a substantial deposit
- Before providing system or facility access
- Before sharing customer or employee information
- When a new vendor cannot provide ordinary documentation
Frequently asked questions
What to know before you download.
Does one red flag mean I should reject the vendor?
Not necessarily. A red flag means the issue deserves clarification, evidence, or a closer review before approval.
Do I need to provide an email address?
No. The checklist is available as a direct free download.
Is this a complete vendor assessment?
No. It is a quick reference. Use the Starter Kit for a consistent pre-screen, or the complete toolkit for ongoing oversight.
Can I share it with my team?
You may use it internally within your own organization, subject to the website’s digital-product terms.
This is a general business resource intended to help organize internal reviews and decisions. It is not legal, insurance, cybersecurity, or regulatory-compliance advice and does not guarantee compliance with any requirement.
Ready for a repeatable review?
Turn the checklist into a consistent vendor pre-screen.
The Vendor Pre-Screening Starter Kit adds a 20-question questionnaire, guided Excel workflow, dashboard, and initial risk classification.
Practical Business Works, LLC