How to check quality before your goods leave Yiwu
Once goods leave China, fixing a problem gets slow and expensive. The cheapest time to catch a wrong colour or a broken batch is before the carton is sealed. Here is how we approach it, and what you should ask for from any agent.
1. Agree on what "right" looks like
Most quality problems start as unclear orders. Before paying, write down:
- Exact colour, size, material and quantity per variant
- Packing: loose, poly bag, individual box, how many per carton
- Logo or label position and size, if any
- What counts as a defect for you (scratches, loose parts, wrong shade)
Photos of the approved sample or booth item make the best reference.
2. Check before you buy: video or samples
- Live video from the booth. On a WhatsApp video call you can see the real item, turn it around, and compare sizes against something familiar.
- Samples by express. Best when feel, weight or fit matter. Samples and courier costs are billed at cost.
3. Check when the goods arrive in Yiwu
When goods from each supplier arrive, we open cartons and check:
- Count: the quantity matches the order, per colour and size
- Match: items match the approved photo or sample
- Workmanship: obvious damage, missing parts, poor printing
- Function: simple tests where possible — zips, clasps, switches, lids
- Packing: inner packing and labels as agreed; cartons strong enough to travel
You get photos and videos before anything ships. If a supplier sent wrong or faulty items, we ask them to replace or refund before the goods leave China.
4. When you need a third-party lab test
Our check is a practical visual and hands-on check. It is not a laboratory test. Some products sold in the US, EU, UK and other markets — for example children's products, cosmetics and items with batteries or electronics — often need test reports or certificates. If your market requires one, tell us early; we can arrange a third-party test (billed at cost) or ask the supplier for existing reports.
Quick QC checklist to send your agent
- Reference photo or sample of the approved item
- Quantity per variant
- Defects that are not acceptable
- Packing and labelling instructions
- Photos you want to see: open carton, close-ups, carton label, carton count