China Quality Inspection Before You Pay
Reviewed by Hasan Olwan · Last updated: September 24, 2026
OLWAN Sourcing runs quality inspections in China from our base in Yiwu. Our inspector checks your goods at the factory or in our warehouse, against your approved sample and specifications, and sends you a photo report. You then decide whether to pay the balance and ship. An inspection costs $200 per man-day, and most single-product inspections take one man-day.
- Trading since 2007
- 4,000+ containers shipped
- 2 containers to Canada every month
- Small orders welcome
What is pre-shipment inspection?
A pre-shipment inspection is a check of your finished goods before they leave the factory, while you still hold the balance payment. The inspector takes a random sample from your order and checks quantity, appearance, size, function, packaging and labels against what you ordered.
Here’s the thing: once you pay the balance and the goods ship, you lose your strongest bargaining power. The inspection is the last moment when a supplier will fix a problem without an argument.
Types of inspection we offer
| Inspection | When | What we check |
|---|---|---|
| During production | When 20–60% of the order is made | Materials, early defects, production speed. Problems get fixed before the whole order is made. |
| Pre-shipment | When 100% is made and at least 80% is packed | Quantity, workmanship, size, function, packaging, labels, carton marks |
| Loading check | While the container is loaded | Carton count, condition, that the right goods go in the right container |
What does a quality inspection report include?
Every report you receive from us includes:
- Summary result: pass, fail, or pending your decision.
- Quantity check: how many units are finished and packed.
- Defects found: each one listed as critical, major or minor, with photos.
- Measurements: product size and weight against your specification.
- Function tests: for products that need to work, such as zippers, switches or lids.
- Packaging and labels: carton marks, barcodes, and FNSKU labels (Amazon’s barcode for your stock) if you sell on Amazon.
- Photos: the product, the defects, the packing and the cartons.
See more real reports in our Proof Library.
How much does quality inspection in China cost?
Our inspection costs $200 per man-day, meaning one inspector at one location for one day. Most single-product inspections take one man-day. If your order has several products or several factories, we tell you the number of man-days before we book.
How it works
- You book. Tell us the product, factory address, quantity and the date the goods will be ready.
- We agree the checklist. We use your specification and approved sample. If you don’t have a checklist, we write one with you.
- Our inspector visits. At the factory or in our Yiwu warehouse.
- You get the report. With photos, the defects found and a clear result. You usually get it about 3 hours after the inspection ends, and at the latest the next day.
- You decide. Pay and ship, ask the factory to rework, or re-inspect.
What we found: a real example
What we can't guarantee
- Inspection reduces defects. It doesn’t remove them. We check a random sample, so a small number of defects can still reach you.
- We check what we agree to check. If a requirement isn’t in the checklist or the sample, the inspector can’t hold the factory to it. Put everything in writing.
- We can’t force a factory to fix a problem. We report it and push for rework. Your balance payment is your strongest lever, so inspect before you pay.
FAQ
Can you inspect goods I bought through another agent or directly?
Yes. We inspect any order in China, whoever bought it. Outside Zhejiang province, travel costs are added, depending on the city. We confirm them in the quote.
Do you inspect at the factory or in your warehouse?
Both. For orders we consolidate in Yiwu, we can inspect them in our warehouse when they arrive.
What happens if the goods fail?
You decide. Most buyers ask the factory to rework the goods, then book a re-inspection before paying.
Where can I find a checklist?
Read our China Quality Inspection Checklist.
Book your inspection
Send us the product, factory location and ready date. We’ll confirm the price and the date.
Related: Supplier verification · Proof library · Shipping from China