Inspection timing affects whether problems can still be fixed before shipment. Buyers should plan inspection around production completion, packing status and payment release.
Too early vs too late
An early inspection may miss final defects, while a late inspection may leave no time for rework.
- During production check for process risk
- Final random inspection near completion
- Loading check for shipment-sensitive goods
Connect inspection to payment
Inspection should be a payment gate when quality risk matters.
- Define inspection condition in PO
- Avoid releasing balance before report review
- Keep re-inspection option open
Use report review
The inspection report needs buyer interpretation, not just a pass/fail label.
- Read defect photos
- Check sample size
- Compare with agreed AQL
- Decide release, rework or re-inspection