Quality control and pre-shipment inspection

The three inspection points that matter

• Pre-production: confirming materials and a sample match specification before the full run starts
• In-line: checking consistency partway through production
• Pre-shipment: inspecting a statistical sample of finished goods against an agreed AQL before dispatch

Setting the standard before production begins

We agree tolerances, materials, finish and packaging in writing with the factory before deposits are paid, so an inspection has a clear pass or fail criteria rather than a subjective judgement call after the fact.

What an inspection report covers

Photo and measurement evidence against your specification, a sampling result against the agreed acceptable quality limit, and a clear pass, conditional pass or fail outcome. You see the report before deciding whether goods ship.

What happens when goods fail inspection

Dispatch is held. We work with the factory on rework, sorting or a partial reshipment depending on the defect type, and reinspect before anything moves. You are not left negotiating a resolution directly with the factory.

AQL and sampling explained

Acceptable Quality Limit inspection checks a statistically valid sample rather than every unit, balancing cost against confidence. The level applied depends on the product and how critical a defect would be. See our guide on AQL inspection levels for the detail.