Three gold rules in choosing painted aluminum sheet metal suppliers: too cheap, pass; slow in response, pass; poor in experience, pass.
Too Cheap
The price of painted aluminum sheets are transparent in the industry. It generally equals current aluminum ingot price+paint cost+manufacturing cost+packaging cost + freight charge. These costs are not controlled by any of the suppliers, but by the whole objective economic environment. Extremely low prices indicates only two possible reasons: the employment of recycled aluminium waste, and poor manufacturing process (including smaller thickness in the sheet and coating). Obviously no purchasers are likely to want such sheets.
Slow in Response
Slow response of an aluminum sheet supplier usually originates from two reasons: they are too lazy, or they are inexperienced. Interestingly, the former does exist. But how do they survive in such a fierce market? You might ask. If it’s a young supplier, they are likely to disappear soon. So do not choose such a supplier, as it’s too risky. If it’s an old supplier, there are two possible reasons for this. First, they rely on mainly old clients, and spare little time for new clients. Second, you order is too small for them. In the first case, they would respond very efficiently, asking for necessary details and throwing a price. In the second case, you may have to wait for some time, and once they come to you, they are efficient, too. Whether to choose such a supplier depends on your practical needs.
Poor in Experience
This is deadly in selecting a reliable one from bewildering painted aluminum sheet metal suppliers. Although most new suppliers are responsible and enthusiastic, this can not make up for their lack in experience. International business entails dealing with trivial issues correctly. Obviously an experienced supplier saves your time, energy and money.
Of course, these are only general rules for reference. You need to make decisions based on your specific situations.