The cheapest insurance in trade
A pre-shipment inspection costs roughly $200–400 per man-day. It is the only moment you can reject goods while they are still at the factory and your money is still recoverable.
The four inspection types
Type When What it catches
--- --- ---
First article check Start of production Wrong materials, wrong specs early
During production (DUPRO) 20–60% complete Systematic defects, delays
Pre-shipment (PSI) 100% packed Final quality, quantity, packaging
Container loading At loading Short loading, damaged cartons
What a PSI covers
:::chart Typical defect distribution found at PSI
Workmanship defects | 44
Wrong labeling/marking | 22
Quantity shortage | 14
Packaging damage | 12
Spec deviation | 8
:::
How to use the report
- AQL sampling — the standard is AQL 2.5 for major defects; agree the level before booking.
- Pass/fail is yours — the inspector reports; you decide. Define acceptance criteria in the PO.
- Fail means leverage — rework, discount, or rejection, negotiated before the balance payment.
> An inspection report is not a quality guarantee; it is a negotiation document with photos.
Inspections in the workflow
Prebro deal stages include an inspection step before final payment release, so the check happens by default — not only when someone remembers to book it.