The integrity of LeelineToys rests on our independence from the factories we cover. Our readers—importers, retailers, and brand owners—rely on us for unbiased sourcing intelligence.

1. Mandatory Financial Disclosures

All staff and contributors must disclose:

• Equity or Ownership: Any financial stake in a toy manufacturing facility, plastic molding plant, or logistics firm.
• Consultancy Ties: Current or past (within 24 months) consulting work for toy brands or sourcing agents.
• Sourcing Commissions: We do not accept “finder’s fees” from factories to be featured in our “Top 10” lists. Any sponsored content is explicitly labeled as “Factory Spotlight: Sponsored.”

2. Samples and Prototype Policy

• Prototype Disposal: Any toy samples sent to our office for review are subjected to destructive testing (if safety-related) or donated to local charities.
• No Resale: Our staff is strictly prohibited from reselling manufacturer samples on secondary markets (eBay, etc.) to prevent “pay-to-play” incentives.
• Factory Visit Ethics: While we participate in factory tours to provide “boots-on-the-ground” reporting, LeelineToys pays for all travel and lodging expenses to avoid the “Press Trip” bias.

3. Dogmatic Independence from Manufacturers

We often face pressure from large-scale manufacturers to suppress reports regarding rising raw material costs (like ABS plastic or PVC) or labor shortages. Our editorial mandate is to the Importer (the Buyer). We prioritize transparency regarding lead times, price hikes, and factory conditions, regardless of our relationship with the supplier.