Importers and private labelers who import products from China should be familiar with quality control checks to avoid the possibility of receiving “bad product” or having their shipment rejected by Amazon for incorrect labeling. Quality control checks may sound daunting and expensive, but they are relatively cheap and easy, costing around $200-250 per shipment. By implementing quality control checks, importers can dramatically improve the quality of their products, which in turn can lead to increased sales and reduced risk of being scammed.
There are five types of quality control checks in Chinese services, including factory audit, pre-production inspection, during production inspection, pre-shipment inspection, and container loading inspection. Importers have several options for choosing quality control in Chinese services, including manufacturers, trading or sourcing partners, QC or third party inspection services in China, and self-inspection. Additionally, importers can expect quality control reporting to include product quantities, visual defects, conformity, and field testing and inspection. When selecting a third party QC company in China, importers should consider several tips to ensure they choose a reputable and reliable company.
Key Takeaways
- Familiarize yourself with quality control checks to improve the quality of your products and reduce the risk of being scammed.
- There are five types of quality control checks in Chinese services and several options for choosing quality control.
- Quality control reporting should include product quantities, visual defects, conformity, and field testing and inspection.
How It Works and How Much It Costs?
5 Types of Quality Control in China:
Quality control inspections in China are typically conducted by third-party companies like Supplyia. These companies send quality inspectors to your supplier’s factory or warehouse to inspect against your specifications or a default set of specifications. The cost of a typical inspection is around $200-250, which includes all transportation and other expenses. The charge is based on what is called a labor day, which is what an inspector can do in 8 hours. In most cases, one business day is enough.
There are five common types of quality control inspections in China. However, it is not necessary to limit oneself to a certain type of service selection. Different service combinations can be used to achieve the goal of quality control. Here are the five types:
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Factory Audit: A factory audit is conducted before placing an order to ensure that the supplier is a legitimate business and has the capability to fulfill the order.
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Pre-Production Inspection: A pre-production inspection is conducted before production begins to ensure that all materials and components meet the required specifications.
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During Production Inspection: A during production inspection is conducted while production is ongoing to catch any problems early and ensure that the finished product will meet the required specifications.
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Pre-Shipment Inspection: A pre-shipment inspection is conducted after production is complete but before the goods are shipped to catch any issues that may arise during production or transportation.
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Container Loading Inspection: A container loading inspection is conducted before the goods are loaded onto a container to ensure that the correct quantity and quality of goods are being shipped.
By using different combinations of these services, one can choose the best suppliers, catch problems early, and verify quality before shipment. For example, if inspecting a new factory, goods can be inspected in the middle of production and then again before shipment. If familiar with each order, only a pre-delivery inspection may be necessary. If dealing with many suppliers, a sourcing company can be hired to help with contacting them, arranging shipment, and conducting random inspections before shipping. It is important to note that these services can help achieve up to 80% quality control on finished production.
How to Choose Quality Control in Chinese Service?
When it comes to quality control in Chinese service, there are various options to choose from. Here are some of the most common methods:
Manufacturers
One option is to ask the manufacturer to perform an internal review and send a report. While this method is less expensive, manufacturers are more concerned with protecting their business interests than ensuring the quality of their products. In-house QC teams may have experience and dedication to quality control, but they may work against the importer. Their goal is to manufacture and deliver goods as quickly as possible, which is not always in sync with quality control.
Trading or Sourcing Partner
Another viable option is to hire a trading or sourcing partner. These entities will not only help source products from the right manufacturers in China, but also assist with quality inspections. They receive a commission and want to retain the importer as a customer, so they can be counted on to make an unbiased assessment of the quality of the products. In addition, because of their trade, they have business relationships with many manufacturers and can use this to the importer’s advantage.
QC or Third Party Inspection Services in China
Another option is to find a reputable third-party inspection service in China that will perform quality control inspections to the importer’s standards. Since they do not work for the supplier, they are neutral and impartial to the supplier. However, this does not mean that the importer should leave the entire process to them. It is recommended that the importer work with them to clarify their requirements and check that they are following a process to their satisfaction.
Self-Inspection
The importer can always leave it to their own team to perform quality checks. However, doing so is costly. Training, accommodation, and travel costs will add up to the import costs.
It is important to note that the method chosen will depend on the importer’s budget, the complexity of the product, and the importer’s level of experience with quality control in China. It is also important to establish clear communication with the chosen method to ensure that the importer’s expectations are met. By choosing the right method for quality control in Chinese service, the importer can ensure that their products meet the required standards and avoid costly mistakes.
Your Expectations for Quality Control Reporting
Show Product Quantities
To ensure that the supplier has provided the correct number of finished products, the inspector will count the products received and compare it to your order. The product quantities will be recorded in the final inspection report.
Visual Defects
Visual defects refer to any flaws that are visible on the product or its packaging. The maximum number of acceptable defects is determined by the defect tolerance on the QC checklist. If the number of defects exceeds the allowable limit, the inspection will be deemed a failure and recorded in the final inspection report.
Conformity
Conformity inspection results verify that the goods meet your quality control requirements. The inspection is based on your QC checklist, and any non-conformities will be noted in the final inspection report.
Field Testing and Inspection
Field testing and inspection may be necessary to determine compliance with your product’s requirements. The inspector will issue a report covering all areas after the quality control inspection, which will be included in the final inspection report.
Tips for Choosing a Third-Party QC Company in China
When choosing a third-party quality control (QC) company in China, it is essential to consider several factors to ensure the best quality control judgments. Here are some tips to help you choose the right QC company for your business:
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Look for a company that provides a wide range of quality control inspection services, including pre-production, in-line, pre-shipment, container loading supervision, and audit services. This will ensure that your products meet the required quality standards.
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Hire a company that has relevant experience and understanding of your product category. This will enable them to make informed quality control judgments and provide professional and clear reports.
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Ask for previous reports that the company has given to clients, preferably in similar product categories, to assess their ability to provide quality services.
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Ensure that the company understands your quality requirements and can meet them.
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Choose a company that offers transparent pricing for their quality control inspection services. This will enable you to understand your total import costs and plan your budget accordingly.
By following these tips, you can choose a reliable and professional QC company in China that will help you maintain the quality of your products and meet your business needs.
Chinese Quality Control Conclusion:
Implementing quality control inspections in China is a crucial aspect of ensuring that products meet the desired quality standards. By carrying out quality inspections, businesses can reduce production costs, work more effectively with manufacturers, and keep customers satisfied. Inspection quality control services can help businesses avoid the hassle of dealing with defective products and improve the overall quality of their products. It is essential to work with reputable quality control inspection companies to ensure that the inspections are carried out professionally and accurately.