Before any products can be shipped, they should be subjected to a pre-shipment inspection. This enables one to make changes and correct possible errors in the consignment and certify the quality, quantity, and value of your products.
The common process of the pre-shipment inspection involves; order placement, payment, forwarding of an inspection order, inspection arrangements, actual inspection, delivery of an inspection report, and finally, the shipment of the inspected goods.
WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTION PROCESS?
Questions about how many parties are involved are likely lingering around your head, however, it must be understood that this process is talking about three parties, the importer (you), exporter (your manufacturing company), and the inspection company you have hired.
THE STAGES OF THE PRE-INSPECTION PROCESS
As earlier stated, the pre-shipment inspection process consists of different stages, all of which will be discussed in this article. The roles of all three parties will be discussed below as we delve into the stages of pre-shipment inspection.
1.ORDER PLACEMENT
You as the Amazon seller, are required to book with the inspection service provider at least 3 days in advance. Therefore, you must communicate with your inspection service provider in good time to inform them that you need their services.
Once you communicate with your inspection service provider, you will be requested to either pay for the inspection up front or to pay a percentage based on the value of the commercial invoice.
2.INSPECTION COMPANY CONFIRMS BOOKING
Once you make the payment and your inspection company acknowledges receipt, an inspection order is forwarded to the inspection company office in the country of export (the country where your product is being made). Once the inspection order is forwarded, then your booking is confirmed.
3.ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN INSPECTION COMPANY AND THE MANUFACTURER
The inspection company contacts the manufacturer to make arrangements on when a certified inspector will be sent to the factory to commence inspection.
4.ACTUAL INSPECTION
Once the documents have been sent and all other details arranged, the inspection process is finally performed and various aspects are checked following the checklists made available.
5.ISSUANCE OF AN INSPECTION REPORT
Once the inspection is conducted, you as the e-commerce seller are then issued with an inspection report, within 24 to 48 hrs of inspection. The report provides information regarding the quality of products and confirms whether the specifications you had listed on your checklist have been met.
In an event where the report indicates that your specifications have not been met by your manufacturer, you may request that production stops or that the manufacturer takes corrective action over the defective products.
6.SHIPMENT OF INSPECTED GOODS
Finally, depending on your instructions after receiving the report, the inspected goods are shipped to your preferred destination.
Once all these stages are complete, you are confident in your product and expect your customers to be equally satisfied with your products.