Anyone dealt with their Chinese supplier directly? (Outside of wholesale platforms)

See title.

I want to gain insights on things to look out for when dealing with your supplier directly and how I can lower the risks while still benefiting from the upsides of dealing directly?

Reasons why I want to go direct :
1. Lower product cost.

Risks I currently have to think about :
1. Supplier running away with my money. (Payment method : T/T)
2. Products quality doesn't match the sample's quality.
*Please also list other things I should be worried of.

If you can share your experiences and framework when dealing with your suppliers. It would be greatly appreciated.

Anyone?

I've dealt with Chinese suppliers for many years. As honest as some suppliers have been in the past you always have be be on your toes. Before anything get the supplier company name and search import records to see how frequently they ship. Companies that ship frequently have more legitimacy and a lot wouldn't throw there reputation away for an order.

Assuming they have frequent and recent shipments, hash out all the details and ask for a sales contract. Make sure all details are in the sales contract. Be warned of the bait and switch. The supplier may have all details correct in the sales contract but they would misspell your company name or have the wrong delivery address. You will obviously address this and they will correct it but the change some details in the sales contract. This happened to me once ( a story for another day ). DO NOT sign sales contract and send deposit until everything has been confirmed. Make sure you also keep records and screenshots of all conversations via email or wechat.

Alternatively you can also do what's called bank lc transfer in which your bank works as the middle man, I've personally never done this and am not too familiar with the process as I prefer supplier in house credit to give me more leverage.