5 THINGS YOU MUST VERIFY BEFORE YOUR GOODS LEAVE THE FACTORY

While a full inspection by professionals like Hawood covers hundreds of data points, here are 5 non-negotiable things you must verify:

1. Quantity and Configuration:
It sounds simple, but mistakes happen. Confirm that the total quantity, carton counts, and packing configuration (e.g., 12 units per inner box, 10 boxes per master carton) match your purchase order exactly. A mix-up here can cause chaos in your warehouse.

2. Workmanship and Function:
Randomly select units from the production run (not the "golden samples" the factory pre-selects). Check for:

Visual Flaws: Scratches, discoloration, misaligned components, loose threads.

Functionality: Does it turn on? Does every button work? Does it perform its primary function as intended?

Assembly: Is it sturdy? Are there loose parts or strange noises?

3. Packaging and Labeling:
Your product’s unboxing experience is part of the product. Inspect the retail packaging for damage, correct printing, and quality. Verify that all labels—barcodes, SKU numbers, country of origin, and safety certifications—are present, accurate, and permanently affixed.

4. Dimensions and Weight:
Check the product and its master cartons against the specified dimensions and weight. Even small deviations can lead to unexpected freight costs and storage issues.

5. On-the-Spot Compliance Testing:
For certain products, use simple field tests. For textiles, check colorfastness with a piece of white cloth. For electronics, test with different voltage sources. For toys, check for small parts that could be a choking hazard. This can reveal flaws that aren't visible to the naked eye.

When to Go Pro:
While this list is a great start, a professional QC inspection digs deeper, using Acceptable Quality Limits (AQL) sampling for statistically significant results and specialized equipment for precise measurements. It also provides an unbiased, third-party report you can use to hold suppliers accountable.