Hey everyone, I've seen a few posts lately about folks looking for new vendors for their research compounds, or wondering how to vet a new source. It can definitely feel overwhelming with so many options out there. I wanted to share my personal checklist for doing some due diligence before placing an order. This is just what I do, not medical advice, and all compounds are for research use only, not human consumption. First thing I always check is their website. Does it look professional? Are there clear contact methods? I look for things like an About Us page that gives some background, even if it's just a little. A well maintained site usually means they take their business seriously, which is a good sign for research material quality. Next up, I try to find reviews outside of their own site. Reddit, other forums, even just general Google searches. I'm looking for consistent feedback, both positive and negative. No vendor is perfect, but a pattern of issues is a huge red flag. I pay attention to comments about shipping times, product quality, and customer service. Finally, I always look for COAs, Certificates of Analysis. Are they readily available? Do they look legitimate? Do they come from a reputable third party lab? If a vendor is transparent with their COAs, that tells me they are confident in their product. If they are hard to find or seem sketchy, I usually move on. Hope this helps some of the newer researchers out there!