A pre-shipment inspection means scheduling an on-site factory visit close to the end of production, checking a random, representative sample from the shipment, verifying quantity and packaging, and documenting everything in a photo report before you decide whether to ship.
Why Pre-Shipment Inspection Is Essential
Once a shipment leaves the factory, correcting any quality or quantity error becomes very costly or even impossible. An on-site inspection before shipping is your last line of defense against receiving goods that don't match what was agreed.
The Inspection Process, Step by Step
Scheduling the inspection
The inspection date is set in coordination with the factory, close to the end of production.
On-site visit
The inspection team visits the factory on the agreed date.
Random sample inspection
Rather than checking every single unit, a representative sample of the shipment is selected and inspected against agreed standards.
Verifying quantity and packaging
Checking that the actual count is correct and that the packaging and labels are intact and match the specifications.
Photo report
All findings are documented with photos and a clear written report.
What Happens If a Problem Is Found?
If a problem is found, the factory is contacted to have it corrected before shipping, or the defective batch is not approved for shipment until the issue is resolved. To avoid these situations in the first place, read about the most common mistakes when working with Chinese factories.
Ready to protect your next shipment?
We schedule the inspection with the factory and send you a photo report.