Lots of customers ‘cried’ for the same reason: Why do I get different quality of products from what was promised or from what I saw when I made the contract? Now that I ask you back: Are you sure that they won’t swap your product before shipping?
This disaster is a common thing happens when you close the deal with Chinese suppliers. When you receive a different quality of products from what you saw, maybe you have chance to visit the factory to close the deal, and it’s different from what you saw and from what it had been promised, then, your product got swapped by the suppliers. You know what, when you’re undergoing this situation, the good news is, you’re not alone! So, how to prevent this thing?
1. Keep an eye on production before the final inspections
Visit the factory regularly and undergo some ongoing process checks may help. Or you can use inspection services for the ongoing process inspection (see the details here). By doing this, it will be difficult for factory to hide serious issues. You will also know if the factory is presenting one batch for final inspection and has nearly (or already) completed another batch of the exact same SKU. This is the type of risky situation that needs extra caution.
On Process Inspection
2. Checking quality and shipping the goods right away
Load the goods for shipment quickly after the quality inspection, so that the inspector can stay on site to keep an eye on the products. Another way can be done by loading the goods right after the inspection, and instructing the freight forwarder to keep the products outside the bonded area until you gives permission to ship. Please note that this method would likely be a first for the logistics company and it can be done only if the supplier is willing to get paid after shipment. (see the details of FPI and CLS)
3. Leave Mark on the Carton
During the FPI , you can ask the inspector to leave mark on every carton. How to make it obvious that the cartons were re-opened? By sticking a distinctive mark, such as stamps, holograms or barcodes.
4. Stationing one inspector on site around the clock
If you don’t have any better solutions, place one of your persons at the factory until all the goods are repacked and shipped out. This can be done if the suppliers want to cooperate well with you. Make a good relationship to them, moreover Chinese has the term of “关系 guanxi” that means relationship. When you have good relationship with them, things can be better :), even though not all. Business is still a business…
5. Checking the products out of the factory
This is what we call “inspections on a platform”. The supplier delivers the goods to a warehouse (nearby) and you can check your products there before it will be shipped. This methods works well if the volumes are high and not very seasonal.
Luis, Our AM was Inspection The Products in the Warehouse
Helped by the Inspector, They Opened the Box and Inspect What Was Inside
6. Changing suppliers
Better to find another suppliers and you can be more careful as you’ve already undergone this situation.
Good luck! And don’t forget, we are ready to help you 🙂
Adapted from: QualityInspection www.sbeinspection.com