How can I identify red flags when vetting potential distributors in Southeast Asia?

Members recently investigated **LalaWine (Global Beverages)** operating in Singapore and Vietnam after the company approached them, and identified multiple warning signs that led them to conclude it was likely not a legitimate business partner.

Key red flags members identified: - **Website credibility**: New website with broken links and non-functional pages; inability to purchase products through the online shop - **Physical presence**: Shop location does not appear on Google Street View, suggesting it may not exist - **Sponsorships and claims**: Claimed sponsorships (e.g. golf events) do not appear to exist when verified - **Communication style**: Reluctance to get on calls; repetitive, copy-paste email responses rather than direct engagement - **Social media authenticity**: Same person liking all their Facebook posts, suggesting artificial engagement - **Company information**: No verifiable information about the company exists when searching online

Members' advice was to keep clear of this distributor. The collective recommendation is to verify physical location, check website functionality and credibility, research claimed partnerships independently, and assess whether potential distributors are willing to engage in direct conversation rather than templated responses.