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    Pre-Shipment Inspections

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    What is a Pre-Shipment Inspection?

    A Pre-Shipment Inspection, or PSI, is a quality control method to help you ensure the quality of goods you receive from suppliers.

    When 100% of the units in your purchase order are complete and they are 80% packed, an inspector goes to your factory to perform a number of different checks on your products.

    These inspections are also often referred to as Final Random Inspections (FRI) because a random selection of goods is pulled to inspect. At Insight Quality, we use an industry-standard methodology called Acceptable Quality Limits (AQL) to determine how many units should be inspected.

    Once the inspector is finished, a detailed inspection report is sent to you. To download and view a sample inspection report, click here.

    Why Should You Conduct a Pre-Shipment Inspection?

    The inspector comes prepared with a quality inspection checklist. This is a checklist that we work with you to create. It is broken down into sections that generally cover:

    • Packaging & Labeling
    • Visual Inspection
    • Physical Requirements & Dimensions
    • Functional Testing
    • Special Tests Specific to Your Product
    • Barcode Verification
    • Drop Testing
    • Other Sections, as Necessary

    To learn more and download a sample product inspection checklist, click here.

    What Will the Inspector Check?

    Pre-Shipment Inspections allow you to mitigate risk. Why take unnecessary risks with your products, your customers, your reputation, and your brand?

    By conducting a Pre-Shipment Inspection you can ensure that the products you pay for meet your requirements before you make the final payment. The inspection happens before products are loaded onto containers and leave the factory.

    Conducting these inspections can help you avoid unexpected surprises once the goods are received. Some key benefits are that you can:

    • Ensure your order has been produced to specifications before shipping
    • Verify quality so that you don’t pay for defective goods
    • Ensure the safety of your products to avoid health and safety hazards
    • Avoid product returns that can cost you and hurt your brand image

    If you have questions about pre-shipment inspections, reach out to us.

    Download One of Our Sample Inspection Reports

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    Sample Inspection Report

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    Global Coverage, People-First Approach

    At Insight Quality, we believe people make the difference.
    That’s why we invest in a skilled, supported team – so you get responsive, reliable service every time.
    While we’re U.S.-based, our quality control and sourcing services span key manufacturing regions across Asia, Europe, and North America, including:
    • China
    • India
    • Vietnam
    • Bangladesh
    • Pakistan

      …and more

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    Why Choose Insight Quality?

    Insight Quality is a Dallas-based, U.S.-owned quality assurance and sourcing company with global reach. You’ll always have an English-speaking point of contact—and a team that understands your business needs.
    Founder Andy Church launched Insight after 10+ years managing QC operations in China. Today, our expert team leads with real-world experience, clear communication, and a people-first approach.