Quality inspection explained
When to inspect, what the common inspection types are, and why checking before shipment is far cheaper than after.
Inspect before it ships, not after
The cheapest place to catch a quality problem is in the factory, before goods are packed and shipped. Once a container has left China, fixing a fault means return freight, delays and lost sales.
Inspection is planned against an agreed quality standard so both sides know what pass and fail look like.
Common inspection types
A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) checks a random sample of finished goods against your specification before the balance is paid and the order ships — the most common and useful check.
During-production inspection catches problems partway through a run, and a container-loading check confirms the right goods are loaded correctly. Which you use depends on the order's size and risk.
What inspectors check
Typically: quantity, workmanship and appearance, key measurements and function, labelling and packaging, and any specific requirements you have flagged.
Sampling usually follows a recognised statistical standard (commonly referred to as AQL) so the sample size and acceptable defect levels are agreed in advance.
Turning findings into action
A good inspection produces a clear report with photos and a pass or fail against the standard. If it fails, you can require rework before releasing the balance payment — leverage you lose once goods have shipped.
This is why staged payment and pre-shipment inspection go together.
Frequently asked questions
What is AQL?
Acceptable Quality Limit — a standard way of deciding how many samples to check and how many defects are tolerable for a batch to pass. It is agreed before inspection so results are objective.