A quality inspection is a standardized service, but it is not a simple service. An untrained inspector, who does not follow a good procedure or who makes poor decision calls, might make big mistakes. I prepared a simplified version of … [Read more...]
How to check the loading of a container by a factory?
How do you ensure that the factory ships the right kind of product in the right quantity to you, when you import by full containers? By sending someone on site when they are loading the goods in the container(s). You might send your … [Read more...]
How to check the production status in a factory
One of the purposes of QC inspections is to check the production status. You want to confirm product quality, but also make sure the manufacturer is not behind schedule. If you--or an inspector you appointed--come after the whole … [Read more...]
Do you need an inspector with deep product experience?
I have been exchanging emails with an American importer who wants to start delegating quality control to a third-party inspection firm. He buys products that can be categorized as furniture products, and that are made of a few kinds of … [Read more...]
5 tips for testing China products against regulatory standards
Yesterday I wrote about the danger of relying on Chinese manufacturers' certificates. So, if you import products that are subject to regulatory standards in your country, what should you do? First, you should look for a supplier that … [Read more...]
Do not trust Chinese manufacturers’ certificates!
A few years ago, I worked with a very experienced French importer. He was playing games with his Chinese suppliers to extract their best pricing. But he was very straight when it came to dealing with his country's customs office. He told me … [Read more...]
How to choose a quality inspection firm
I wrote a number of articles about how to get maximum benefit from a third-party quality inspection. In 99% of cases, no reader challenges my point. However, through some of their comments, I noticed a concern in their mind: There are many … [Read more...]
How to test the protection of your products during transport
This is the third article where I reproduce the insights from Kevin Howard, a consultant with deep experience about packaging issues. Our previous Q&A are on The importance of packaging optimization and Saving money thanks to better … [Read more...]
Sampling plan calculations for quality inspections [infographic]
![Sampling plan calculations for quality inspections [infographic]](https://qualityinspection.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/UPshutterstock56722456.jpg)
Most inspections only involve 1 or 2 references, and can be conducted in one man-day (i.e. one inspector on site for one day). However, in certain situations, deciding on a sampling plan is very difficult--see my previous article about … [Read more...]
Examples of inspection checkpoints [infographic]
About 2 weeks ago, I published a very useful infographic about QC inspection checklists. I hope as many importers as possible start using this framework, if possible before they issue purchase orders to their Asian suppliers. To show how … [Read more...]
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