Small-Batch QC in China: What I Check Before Anything Ships

Most QC guides online are written for container loads with third-party inspection firms. Small-batch buyers — ten units here, thirty there — need something different: fast, practical checks before the parcel leaves China. Here's my actual process.

When QC happens

After purchasing (≈3 days) and before shipping. Goods come to me first. Nothing ships to you unchecked — that's the whole point of having a buyer on the ground.

The checklist

1. Quantity — count everything against the order. Shortages are the most common issue at small quantities.
2. Appearance — color, finish, print quality, and obvious defects. I compare against the listing photos and your requirements.
3. Basic function — does it turn on, connect, open, close, dispense — whatever it's supposed to do. This is a functional check, not a lab test.
4. Packaging — is each unit packed well enough to survive international transit? For fragile items, I add reinforcement before consolidation.

What happens when something fails

Three options, your call: the seller replaces it, I return it for a refund, or — if it's minor and you approve — it ships as-is with a note. What doesn't happen: it quietly ships and becomes your problem.

QC photos

Available on request. I don't photograph every single unit of every order by default (that would slow everything down), but if you want eyes on your goods before they fly, just ask.

What QC can't do

Be honest about limits: I can't catch defects that only appear after weeks of use, and I don't run certified lab testing. For regulated products (electronics certifications, cosmetics compliance), you need proper certification from the manufacturer — no sourcing agent replaces that.

Frequently asked questions