A good inspection checklist for softgoods includes the following key elements:
In a good inspection, inspectors meticulously monitor the humidity and temperature of the warehouse to ensure it meets the required conditions for storing clothing, apparels, garments, fashion, textile, and softgoods. This step is crucial in maintaining the quality of the products. Inspectors also assess the cleanliness of the facilities, as a well-managed environment reflects a reliable supplier and enhances overall quality control inspection.
During a product inspection, inspectors verify the product quantities against the packing list to confirm the packing and finishing percentages. This inspection process ensures that the correct quantities and assortment according to size and color are maintained.
A shipment inspection includes a thorough check of the carton size, thickness, and weight, along with performing a drop test to assess the strength. Inspectors verify the sealing method used for the cartons and inspect all relevant details on the shipping mark. The inspection criteria also cover the polybags, checking for thickness, airholes, color, odor, and printing quality. Inspectors ensure the presence of desiccants in the boxes and verify the correctness of labels, tags, barcodes, and size stickers, adhering to strict inspection standards.
In a pre-shipment inspection, inspectors compare bulk goods with approved samples and digital photos to ensure consistency. Inspectors examine the quality of materials or fabrics, workmanship, and any effects from washing and pressing. The inspection methodology includes checking accessories such as buttons and zippers for proper fit and smooth operation. Inspectors also perform measurements according to the size chart and mark any points of measurement (POM) that are out of tolerance, following a the designers’ measurement chart.
Third-party quality inspections can include special tests such as the color shading test, where inspectors check color consistency using a grey card and across bulk quantities. Inspectors conduct a button tension test, especially important for children’s clothing, to ensure buttons can withstand the required tension. The inspection procedures also involve metal detection tests using machines or handheld devices to check for any unwanted metal in the garments. Finally, inspectors perform a fitting test to verify that the garment’s cutting and production provide a proper fit according to the designer’s expectations.
By following these comprehensive inspection guidelines, inspectors ensure that the garments meet the highest quality standards, giving buyers peace of mind and maintaining the quality of their products and brands in the competitive eCommerce market.
Tell me about your product and what’s worrying you. I’ll reply personally with practical next steps, and you’ll also receive my free buyer’s quality guidebook.
Critical Defects | Safety – broken needle, mildew, insects or bugs, wet, odor etc. Packaging and label – incorrect or missing of regulatory required label such as fiber composition, incorrect thickness of poly bag, warning clause etc. |
Major Defects | Salability – obvious fabric defects, missing accessories, poor workmanship, permanent mark, wrong and weird cutting |
Minor Defects | Deviate from requirements but not affect salability – improper folding excessive threads, removable marks, wrong printing |
Pre-shipment inspection is the best practice to manage the quality of production if you are buying a significant quantity of products. Normally buyers spend 3-5% of cost of product in pre-shipment inspection. The benefits of pre-shipment inspection include but not limited to the following:
There are several parties can help to perform pre-shipment inspection and the pros and cons are illustrated as below:
| Pros | Cons | Best Practice |
Third party inspection company | – Impartial – Only represent you – Resourceful – Professional – Good after sales service – Systematic – Clear whistle blower channel | – Not worth for low shipment value
| If your shipment is worth more than USD 4,000 or if you have faced quality problem before, it is worth to buy inspection service from third party inspection company |
Sourcing/Trading Company | – Can be focus – Resourceful – Good after sales service
| – Usually they represent both buyer and factory – Not professional in quality control | If your shipment value is lesser than USD 4,000, you may delegate the inspection job to sourcing/trading company by setting up a good resolution contract |
Individual/Freelancers | – Lesser cost – Can be professional – Can be flexible | – Lack of systematic approach – Vary service quality depends on the individual’s ability – Risk of no after sales service | If you have been introduced to a trustable individual/freelancer and you have done the due diligence. |
Factory self-inspection | – Save cost – Professional in product making | – Potential of negligence as no other perspective to check the quality – Conflict of Interest | If this is a continuous lot of production, there is no significant changes of production and no quality issues in first shipment. Occasional inspection by third party is advice. |
KOL Quality is the knowledge site of Hazel Kwong, a manufacturing and quality expert who has worked in Shanghai, mainland China, Malaysia and now Hong Kong. Hazel shares practical advice for buyers and always stands on the buyer’s side. When a buyer needs work on the ground, she coordinates it through a trusted quality service company and partner laboratories in China.
First, agree the product requirements and checking criteria, ideally with an approved golden sample. When you place the order, share your supplier’s contact and production schedule with your inspector so they can follow up and book the inspection at the right time. A pre-shipment inspection should be done when 100% of the goods are produced and at least 80% are packed. If you’d like help setting this up, ask me.
A pre-shipment inspection should be done when 100% of the goods are produced and at least 80% are packed. For a first inspection, allow about 5 working days to plan the checking criteria and book the inspector.
Inspection companies have standard checklists for most product categories, but every product and brand is different. The best criteria combine a standard checklist with your own requirements, your approved sample and the issues your customers care about. I’m always happy to review your checklist with you.
You will normally get the pre-shipment inspection report within 24 hours in working days (Monday to Friday).
You’ll usually hear about a failed result on the day of the inspection. Don’t panic, and don’t ship. Review the defects, then agree a resolution or rework plan with your supplier, followed by a re-inspection. If you need help talking to the factory, ask me. I’ve had these conversations many times.
