When to book it
The pre-shipment inspection takes place when production is finished and most goods are packed. Earlier, the sample does not represent the shipment; later, there is no time left to fix problems before the vessel leaves.
The standard checks
Every inspection should cover the basics, whatever the product.
- Quantity: the number of cartons and pieces matches the order.
- Appearance: scratches, stains, colour differences, finishing.
- Function: the product works as intended, every moving part.
- Measurements: key dimensions and weight within tolerance.
- Packaging: retail box, inserts, carton marks and labels.
Product-specific tests
Add tests that match how your product is used: a drop test for anything shipped in a parcel, a tape test for printed logos, a function test for electronics, a fitting test for parts that assemble. These are often where the real problems hide.
After the report
If the inspection passes, release the balance and book the freight. If it fails, the report shows exactly what to fix. Ask the factory to rework, then re-inspect before shipping. Paying the balance only after a pass keeps the factory motivated to fix things.
Packaging and carton checks in detail
Many problems appear only at the destination warehouse: wrong carton marks, missing barcodes, cartons too heavy or too weak. Ask inspectors to check carton dimensions and weight, the shipping marks, the barcode on each unit and a drop test of a full carton.
Your own checklist items
The standard list covers the basics; your product knowledge covers the rest. Add the three or four things your customers complain about most, or that previous orders got wrong. These targeted checks often catch more than the general ones.
