Quality is essential to any successful e-commerce seller. However, sourcing products from Asian manufacturers requires diligence and attention to every step of the manufacturing process. In this case, Pre-shipment Product Inspection (PSI) is a critical step responsible for eCommerce sellers to take before shipping to ensure that quality is not compromised. In addition, in many countries, pre-shipment inspection is mandatory.
Pre-Shipment Product Inspection Benefits for eCommerce Industry
1. Avoids costly rework
Third party inspection allows you to identify product problems at the source. Finding defects after the product arrives can lead to costly rework and repairs. The process of unpacking all products, sorting out defective products and sending them back to the manufacturer for rework and repackaging can be expensive.
Although, if you find a problem before the the product leaves the factory, you can ask the manufacturer to correct the issue at their expense.
2. Prevent impact on time to market
If a problem is found late in the manufacturing cycle, it can delay shipment of the product and affect time to market. Pre-shipment inspections allow you to identify and correct problems early, minimizing delays.
3. Improve product quality
Due to cost or time constraints, most e-commerce sellers will agree to ship a product even if it does not meet their quality expectations.
By scheduling product inspections before shipping, you can better control the quality of your products; PSI inspections let factories know that you value quality and will pay more attention to your orders.
4. Avoid returns, negative feedback, and sales suspensions
Defective products increase the likelihood of negative customer reviews and product returns, which can hurt your business. Most e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, have strict quality standards. If you are selling low-quality products, they may suspend your listing on their platform or revoke all your listing privileges.
By conducting pre-shipment inspections, you can ensure that your products meet quality requirements before they leave China. As a result, your customers will get a high-quality product, and you can prevent negative customer feedback and returns. PSI inspection also protects your brand reputation and eliminates the risk of suspension from e-commerce platforms.
5. Create accurate product listings
A detailed and accurate product listing will significantly contribute to your reputation as an eCommerce seller. If your products do not meet the listing specifications, customers may return them or leave bad reviews.
Once the pre-shipment inspection is complete, the product can be subjected to a full review. To ensure that the product description matches the actual quality of the product, ask quality control (QC) to send you a sample of the product that best represents the entire production.
Why is it essential to build trust with suppliers?
You are inspecting products before shipping is not enough. You need to go a step further and build a healthy, long-term, positive relationship with your suppliers. This will ensure that you get the correct order at the right time, with the right quality, and at the right price as expected. Here are a few points to consider.
● Choose the right supplier. Before working with a supplier, make sure they have experience in manufacturing your product.
● Provide clear product designs and specifications. Verify product prototypes and have the supplier send you samples before you start production.
● Build supplier-buyer partnerships Work more as partners with suppliers to support the entire production process.
Why you should use a third-party quality control company
Third-party inspection service in China can help you avoid defective products instead of finding them, and then it is too late. They provide a user-friendly quality control platform that helps companies reduce costs and protect their brand reputation.
