Trust, but verify. Three simple words that form the best advice I can offer when talking about sourcing safe product from suppliers in our industry.
An author reportedly suggested to then-president Ronald Reagan that he learned some Russian parables as a way of better communicating with the Soviet Union in the 1980s. Among the parables Suzanne Massey suggested was "doveryai no proveryai"—trust, but verify—which became Reagan's signature line when discussing U.S. relations with the USSR.
Jeff is executive director of the Quality Certification Alliance (QCA). Prior to that, he was responsible for developing safe and compliant brand merchandise for Michelin. He has worked with brands in publishing, consumer products, broadcasting and film for over 30 years. Follow Jeff on Twitter, and QCA on Facebook.