A major issue in the world of research chemicals is the reliability of suppliers. We've all heard horror stories of underdosed products, contamination, or even getting the wrong compound entirely. What are the best practices for vetting a peptide or SARM supplier? What should we look for in third-party lab testing? Are Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) enough? Let's share some tips and experiences to help everyone make safer choices.
The number one thing is independent, third-party lab testing. Not just a CoA from the supplier themselves, but a recent, verifiable lab report from a reputable lab. Look for companies that provide a batch number on the product that matches the lab report. Transparency is key.
I agree with CycleCoach. Also, look for suppliers who have been around for a while and have a consistent reputation across different forums and communities. Be wary of new vendors with no track record, or those offering prices that are too good to be true. Quality costs money.
Beyond the lab reports, community feedback is crucial. If multiple users on various platforms are consistently reporting good results and no major side effects (beyond the expected ones), that's a strong sign. A good supplier often has active customer service and is willing to answer questions about their sourcing.
The type of lab testing matters, too. For peptides, look for HPLC testing to confirm purity. For SARMs, you want to see HPLC and Mass Spec to verify the identity and purity. A lot of fake CoAs are out there, so a link directly to the lab's website to verify the report is a huge plus.
These are all fantastic points. The idea of matching a batch number to a verifiable lab report is something I haven't seen many people talk about, but it makes perfect sense. It adds another layer of security. I think this information is vital for new users.
I also check their payment options. If a company only accepts crypto and no other legitimate payment methods, that can sometimes be a red flag. It's not always the case, but it can be. Just another factor to consider when evaluating a vendor.