Once goods leave the factory, fixing problems becomes slow and expensive. Returns, rework and unhappy customers can quickly wipe out your margin. A pre-shipment inspection checks your order before the final payment and before it is loaded.
What gets checked
- Quantity and assortment
- Workmanship and visual defects
- Measurements and specifications
- Function and safety tests
- Packaging, labelling and barcodes
How sampling works
Inspectors use the internationally recognised AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) standard to pick a random sample from the finished goods. The results show whether the batch passes, fails or needs rework.
The bottom line
An inspection is a small, fixed cost. A defective container is not. If you are paying a balance on shipment, an inspection gives you the leverage to get problems fixed first.
