Explain where the lock will be used
Start the purchasing discussion with the country, city, door purpose and users. Residential, hotel guestroom and office requirements should not be treated as interchangeable.
This checklist helps organise questions; it does not assess compatibility for any specific model. Final selection requires manufacturer documentation.
- Country and city, and indoor or outdoor location.
- New-door installation or replacement of an existing lock, door material and current photographs.
- Opening methods to retain and problems to solve.
Confirm compatibility with drawings and photographs
Ask the supplier for dimensional drawings matching the model, configuration and version, and establish the measurement location and unit for each dimension. Similar appearance does not establish replacement compatibility.
If drawings are unavailable, first photograph the door, door edge, existing lock and model markings, then ask the supplier to identify additional measurements. Do not treat one product’s dimensions as a universal standard.
Turn function requirements into specific questions
For a smart lock, ask separately about power supply, low-battery alerts, functions retained without a network, gateway requirements and app availability in the intended region. Answers should correspond to the exact hardware and accessory configuration.
- Which functions are essential and which are preferences?
- Are instructions available in the required language?
- What supports the performance claims, and under which conditions do they apply?
Align purchasing conditions before comparing prices
Quotations are comparable when model, configuration, quantity and included costs are consistent. Confirm samples, packaging, delivery time, spare parts and after-sales procedures before planning the purchase.
- Record quotation currency, validity, and included and excluded costs.
- Ask the manufacturer to confirm whether sample and subsequent bulk-supply configurations match.
- Confirm import, logistics and after-sales conditions separately for the destination country and product.