Pre-Shipment Product Inspections

[Dentz]

We are planning on importing a container of furniture from China and intend to obtain a pre-shipment inspection before paying the final installment of the goods. My question is what do we need to provide the inspection company so they fully understand what they are checking? Do they need exact specifications and photos or can they be sent a sample or visit the factory for an approved sample?

I imagine it is fairly easy for them to check for obvious defects and damage, but it must be harder to check that they are of the agreed quality, so I was just wondering how you go about ensuring this?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[GraemeL]

Hello Paul,

I have looked back at your other posts and now have a better feel about what level of knowledge you are at and what you are trying to do.

To be frank, if you are serious then its probable you wont get the cohesive set of answers you want by asking questions in this way on a forum.

Importing has many advantages and just as many risks. A balance of risk versus reward. In your early days, my view is that you should do everything you can to reduce risk and accept a lower financial reward.

G

 

[Mister B]

Apologies Graeme, not meaning to follow you around

Agree with Graeme's post. For the first shipment, if container size, I would probably fly over and inspect it for myself. It may cost you a £1,000 and a few days of your time but it's better than having a container full of cr@p landed at the UK port.

Mister B

 

[GraemeL]

Apologies Graeme, not meaning to follow you around

Agree with Graeme's post. For the first shipment, if container size, I would probably fly over and inspect it for myself. It may cost you a £1,000 and a few days of your time but it's better than having a container full of cr@p landed at the UK port.

Mister B

Me too!

Agree with this point - I am sure Mr B will agree there is much more involved than one pre loading inspection.

G

 

[MOIC]

Hi

In answer to your post, I would recommend an Inspection company with knowledge of the furniture that needs to be inspected.

Furniture covers many items.

I think it's cost effective to employ a company to carry out the Inspection and they will provide a written report as well as numerous photographs of the actual shipment. This is almost as good as if you were there yourself.

The cost would be a tenth of doing it yourself.

If you havent started the order process yet my advice is to make sure you have the following done first:

Sample approval

Contract of Terms (English and Mandarin)

Factory Evaluation

During Production Inspection (Sometimes this can pick up any faults before packing and shipping)

If you are serious, then get a good agent.

Otherwise there is too much to risk, you cannot be expected to be in China during production and go over all the details.

A good agent will know exactly what to do and ensure it's done correctly, often saving you money in the long run.

Good Luck !