A pre-shipment inspection is only useful when you know what you want to check. Different products require different inspection points, but most inspections can be organized around several basic areas.
Quantity and Specifications
First, check quantity: total cartons, units per carton, total units, and consistency with the packing list.
Next, check product specifications such as dimensions, materials, colors, weight, model, and configuration. The exact checks depend on the product.
Appearance, Workmanship and Function
Appearance and workmanship should also be reviewed for issues such as scratches, stains, uneven finishing, poor stitching, surface defects, or incorrect printing.
Where practical, important functions can be tested, including power, buttons, controls, moving parts, assembly, or basic performance.
Packaging and the Report
Packaging and labeling may include retail packaging, shipping cartons, labels, barcodes, accessories, and packing quantities.
A useful inspection report should clearly communicate what was checked and what was found, with photos and observed defects where appropriate.
There is no universal checklist for every product. The best inspection is designed around the actual risks and requirements of the order. Define the important inspection points before production is completed so everyone understands what will be checked.
For why the check happens at all, see:
Want an Inspection Built Around Your Order?
The inspection points that matter are the ones your product and order value make matter. SOURDEN can agree those points with the supplier before production finishes, then check against them before the goods ship.
Send us the product, the order quantity and the specifications you need confirmed, and we will tell you which checks are practical for this order.