Sofeast offers a full range of product inspection solutions throughout the production process on-site at your supplier’s facility in China, India, or throughout Asia. Each inspection is tailored to your product and requirements and comes with a set cost.

Our quality inspection team offers you the following types of product inspection solutions that appear on this page for most consumer goods (electronics, garments, toys, furniture…) and many mechanical products (for automotive or industrial use).

How and where Sofeast provides you with the most value when purchasing our product inspections.

Sofeast’s inspection activities serve mainly 3 types of products, due to our past experience and where we see we can provide value:

  1. Custom-designed electronic products for B2B or consumer use in China, India, Vietnam
  2. Custom-designed plastic or metal products (somewhat mechanical) in China, India, Vietnam
  3. General apparel products ordered in relatively high quantities, in Asia / Middle East / Europe

We also work on medical devices and automotive parts, typically in the context of a wider QA program.

However, we avoid working on what are usually “cheap products”: gift & premium, low-cost footwear, low-end furniture, etc.

Learn more about each product inspection and get a quote

Hit the blue buttons below to read more each product inspection* and request a quotation if you’d like to get pricing for your project.







*(Please note, the fastest way to arrange your inspection is by using this link to request a quote and book your inspection.)

production monitoring reporting (PMR)

Production Monitoring & Reporting (PMR)

Solution cost 299 USD per man-day Get a quote
 
What is a PMR?
Your Sofeast quality technician will stay at your supplier’s factory during production and offer detailed feedback about progress, cases of subcontracting, production quality, and catch problems as early as possible so they can be tackled early on.

Why choose it?
If a large and sensitive production run is underway and you want to keep it under tight control, the PMR will keep you informed and on top of any issues.

When is the PMR conducted?
The PMR usually runs from the start to finish of the production job. Or only during some of the production processes. Note that, in some cases, it makes sense to start with a pre-production meeting.

We check:
– For defects.
– If your specifications are respected on products and labelling and packaging.
– If your guidelines on the way to conduct production are in place.
– Conduct function and safety tests.
– Follow up on how the manufacturer repairs rejects and how they prevent the same problems in the following days.

How do we report to you?
A daily report will be sent to you, with production progress monitored with simple project management tools (steps and dates, completion vs, forecast, etc.). For complex projects, a Gantt chart will be created.

How much does an PMR cost?
We charge 299 USD per man-day in major areas of China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam (and extra travel expenses apply in other places). Depending on the length and location, a rebate might be considered.

Click here to get a quotation for your PMR
Inspection during production (DPI)

Inspection During Production (DPI)

Solution cost from 299 USD per man-day Get a quote
 
What is a DPI?
Sofeast’s quality technician inspects components, semi-finished, and/or finished products during their production run in order to give yourself and your supplier feedback on production quality, and find and solve problems early on.

Why choose it?
If you are not 98% sure the production & quality staff in the factory are (1) aware of your quality standard and (2) capable of producing consistently to that standard, a DPI will give them feedback so they can correct if necessary. And you will know about serious issues, and revise your plans, much earlier.

When do we conduct it?
For many consumer goods and industrial products, it is best to inspect the first finished products (as soon as they are completed) with a first article inspection so any problems can be caught before they become widespread. However, for textile products, a pre-production meeting is often conducted prior to start of sewing, too.
In any case, DPI checks are often made again later in the production run so consistent quality can be confirmed.
We also often pick up samples, since this is the right timing to send them for laboratory testing. We can do some of the tests in our own lab, or send them to another lab as needed. We can also provide advice about the compliance testing you may require.

We check:
– For visual defects.
– If your specifications are respected on processes, products, labelling, and/or packaging.
– Product-specific checkpoints, including safety and function tests, as advised by our engineers.
– We apply the ISO 2859-1 standard where applicable.

How much does a DPI cost?
We charge 299 (consumer products) to 345 (technical products) USD per man-day in major areas of China, Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh (and extra travel expenses apply in other places).

Click here to get a quotation for your DPI
Final Random Inspection (FRI) Before Shipment

Final Random Inspection (FRI) Before Shipment

Solution cost from 299 USD per man-day Get a quote
 
What is a FRI?
Also commonly known as a 'pre-shipment inspection,' Sofeast’s quality technician confirms the quantity and average quality of a production batch before it is shipped out by counting cartons and randomly pulling out samples, and feeds back results to you in order to put you in a position to accept or reject the batch.

Why choose it?
If you are afraid of releasing payment and receiving a batch of products you can’t sell or use, you need a ‘last line of defense’ -- that’s the whole purpose of the FRI (Take a deep dive into its benefits in our Final Random Inspection infographic)

When do we conduct it?
It is usually conducted a few days days before the finished order is shipped, giving you time to decide and to request minor rework if needed.

We check:
– For visual defects.
– If the order falls within acceptable AQL limits.
– If your specifications are respected on products and labelling and packaging.
– Product-specific checkpoints: Safety and function tests, as advised by our engineers.
– We apply the ISO2859-1 (MIL-STD 105) standard to draw a representative sample for visual check.

How much does a FRI cost?
We charge 299 (consumer products) to 415 (technical products) USD per man-day in major areas of China, Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh (and extra travel expenses apply in other places).

Click here to get a quotation for your FRI
Full production check (FPC)

Full Production Check (FPC)

Solution cost 299 USD per man-day Get a quote
 
What is an FPC?
Sofeast’s quality technician will confirm the quantity and quality of a whole production batch (not based on random sampling) at your supplier’s facility before it is shipped out. It occurs in the factory so if there are issues found they can be put right immediately.

Why choose it?
Sometimes a supplier can’t present a batch of products that meets your market’s requirements, for various reasons. The only solution is to send technicians to check the full quantity, piece by piece.

How long does it take?
Once production is complete, the FPC generally takes place 2 to 8 days before shipping.

We check:
– For visual defects (often targeted at just a few defect types).
– If your specifications are respected on products, labelling, and/or packaging.
– Product-specific checkpoints, as advised by our engineers.

What do you need to agree with Sofeast before we begin?
– You should confirm with us if the products are to be checked for only one type of defect (faster), or for many (slower).
– Will the goods all be finished?
– Will the products be packed or not?
– Should the packing be checked?
– What happens to the refused goods?
– Should we re-check the products that are repaired by the factory?

How much does an FPC cost?
We charge 299 USD per man-day in major areas of China, Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam (and extra travel expenses apply in other places). Depending on the manpower needed and location, a rebate might be considered.

Click here to get a quotation for your FPC
Packing and loading supervision (PLS)

Container Packing & Loading Supervision (PLS)

Solution cost 299 USD per man-day Get a quote
 
What is a PLS?
Sofeast’s quality technician confirms the order quantity and the type of packing used, and supervises the loading of your shipment in container(s) or truck(s).

Why choose it?
Unscrupulous suppliers might swap the products just before shipment. They might also make mistakes on the quantity declared, or on the way to load the goods. If you can’t afford to take these risks, send a technician at the time of loading.

When do we conduct it?
We send a technician(s) when 100% of a shipment is packed, and a few hours before the goods are loaded.

We check:
– We check a few products taken randomly (to detect dishonest behaviors).
– We count the number of pieces to ship (typically, by counting the number of cartons and/or pallets) and check the packing.
– We check the condition of the container(s) and/or the truck(s).
– We supervise the loading activity.

Is a PLS a final inspection?
No. A PLS is a complement to an FRI (Final Random Inspection), but it does not replace an FRI. The technician supervising the loading has no authority to stop it if he sees quality issues!

How much can be checked in one man-day?
We can usually check 2 containers in 1 man-day if they are loaded between 10:30am and 5:30 pm. This rule of thumb varies with the circumstances.

How much does a PLS cost?
We charge 299 USD per man-day in major areas of China, Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh (and extra travel expenses apply in other places).

Click here to get a quotation for your PLS
off-site-product-inspection

Off-Site Product Inspection (OSI)

Solution cost from 99 USD Get a quote
 
What is an Off-Site Product Inspection?
In some cases, a quality inspection takes place via a real-time video feed, without the inspector being there on-site.

Why choose this inspection?
It can be a complement to other on-site inspections, in order to provide extra assurance on certain points. The lead time to arrange it is usually shorter, and the price tends to be lower. For example, it is a good intermediary control point between an inspection at the start of production and a final random inspection.
In some cases, it is the only type of inspection we can conduct. For example, there may be no access to a factory due to COVID restrictions.
And, for those buyers who opt for supplier self inspections, it may be a good way to run “quick checks” without relying entirely on the supplier.

When is it conducted?
It can be arranged at any time during production. The ‘right timing’ depends on the risks identified for that particular batch and on the other quality control activities to take place.

What is checked?
All the same points as on-site inspections. However, certain points cannot be checked with any degree of accuracy (e.g. color, texture, finishing).

What are the pros & cons of this inspection?
Learn more here.

How much does an Off-Site Product Inspection cost?
This inspection starts from 99 USD. Based on the product complexity and keeping your main objective in mind, we will suggest a plan and the corresponding quotation.

Get a quotation for your Off-Site Product Inspection
SPO tile

Supplier & Production Overview (incl. Quality Check)

Solution cost from 249 USD per man-day Get a quote
 
What is the supplier & production overview and quality check solution?
This is ideal if you’re in a position where you simply want us to go into your supplier and provide you with a timely overview of what’s going on at any given time, enabling you to understand if changes are required, you face certain risks, and if they’re keeping up their side of the bargain in terms of product development, production quality, and/and delivery times.

Who needs this?
This is useful when a supplier might refuse the visit from “third party inspectors” and you need a softer approach.
It is also beneficial if you need a visit that doesn’t center on checking many samples against a checklist. In some cases, checking a smaller number of pieces and collecting other information at the factory is more valuable.

What benefits can you expect?
If you want eyes and ears in the factory ASAP so you can see what’s happening, this is the right option. Our inspector goes in, checks on your supplier’s progress and product quality, and quickly provides you with a report on the situation as they see it right then. Furthermore, this visit keeps pressure on your supplier to hit their agreed targets and follow your quality standard, as they’ll be conscious that you are watching.

What would be reported back to you?
The point with this activity is to go in and quickly gather the information you need to know that everything is in order. With this in mind, the inspector will typically report back on:
- Production status (if any) - what is the progress on the day of the visit? What are the timelines until shipment?
- New product development status (if any) - what is the progress on the development work? What are the next steps, and the timelines?
- Does the factory have any open issues?
- Any obvious risks facing you?
- Product quality check on some pieces, usually without a documented checklist and without following industry statistics
- Keeping an eye out for issues you are particularly afraid of (shared with us in advance)
- The report includes photos and/or videos of the factory, processes, and products

When can this be performed?
Unlike quality inspections, the overview visit can be booked to occur at any time you’re working with a supplier. The goal is to give you a quick snapshot of the situation at the time that suits you.

Is the supplier & production overview a quality inspection?
Not exactly, but it complements them, though.
During the overview visit, the inspector casually checks some product’s quality to give you a feel for the supplier’s capability, but it does not replace an actual quality inspection that will provide you with a formal and detailed report. We recommend that you at least perform an FRI before accepting the order and allowing the supplier to ship.

How much does a supplier & production overview visit cost?
We charge 249 USD per man-day in major areas of China, Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh (and extra travel expenses apply in other places).

Click here to book your SPO

Go back and check each product inspection* by hitting the option below that interests you.







*(Please note, the most convenient way to arrange your inspection is by using this link to request a quote and book your inspection.)

Explore how to choose the right inspection, steps and timeline for your project once it begins, and much more in these resources

Why do I need to perform product inspections & what benefits can I expect?

If you struggle with inconsistent quality, a product inspection at your supplier’s factory will help you by catching issues before production is complete or, worse, is shipped. Our inspector’s subsequent QC report will give you detailed information about your product quality that enables you to put the quality issues right before any bad batches can reach you.

When you use a third-party quality inspection firm like us to check your product quality, you’ll benefit from the following:

  • Better control over your supply chain
  • Reduced costs in scrap, rework, recalls, late orders, and customer refunds
  • Improved product quality & safety

How to select which product inspection I need?

Follow this flowchart to determine which product inspection you need and then select it from the list on this page to get a quotation:

sofeast product inspection solutions selection

How do the different inspections compare to each other?

This is a comparison of some of our product inspections. You can choose the one(s) you feel are most aligned with your needs, or discuss them with us and get our recommendation.

sofeast product inspection comparison chart

Once we have become an inspection customer, what process does Sofeast follow when performing the inspection of our supplier?

This flowchart shows the 5-step process that we typically follow when inspecting your supplier:

sofeast product inspection steps

What's a rough timeline for a typical inspection project with Sofeast once we have booked it?

Once you book an inspection with us, the lead time is generally 2 full working days for the common areas in China, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Cambodia.
Note, the assumption here is that your supplier responds to our emails promptly and lets us in without delay. We might also have questions about your technical documents, so it is better if you send them to us for confirmation earlier.

All in all, our general advice is to proceed as follows:

1. Once you know there will be inspection(s), let us know.

2. Our QA planning team will be in contact with your supplier, and will follow up as the date changes from a “rough estimate” to a “confirmed date”.

3. Our QA technical team will study your documents and ask questions where something is unclear or needs more details.

When you report back the findings of my inspection, what does the report look like?

You can see a selection of Sofeast’s past inspection reports on various product types ranging from soft lines through to industrial components by hitting the link below:

👉 Explore sample inspection reports 👈

Both the Final Random Inspection (FRI) and the Packing & Loading Supervision (PLS) take place after end of production. What is the difference?

Correct. Both typically take place after the end of production, at the factory. But they serve different purposes and they don’t occur at the same time.

A Final Random Inspection (FRI) consists of picking samples at random for quality checks. It includes product measurements, function checks, fatigue tests, safety tests when that applies, packaging & labelling checks, etc. In short, the purpose is to confirm that average quality is acceptable… and to allow the buyer to stop the shipment if it is not. That means it is done at least 1-2 days (and hopefully longer) before the ex-factory date, to allow time for at least a quick rework.
Note that, in many cases, there are still some unpacked products at that time, and that’s not necessarily an issue.

In contrast, a Packing & Loading Supervision (PLS) is generally done when the container(s) or truck(s) are loaded at the factory. It is not focused on product quality, as there is no time for doing that properly and our staff has no authority to stop the shipment. It is a last look at the final packing at the time of loading, and it is a supervision & documentation of the way the goods are loaded.

Can Sofeast also pick samples at random and run some chemical/performance/durability tests out of the factory in your own lab?

Yes, we can.
We have our own lab for common chemical, performance, reliability, and durability tests or for simple conformity confirmations (comparing colors of samples from different suppliers, running function tests over several days…).
Our spectrometer allows us to confirm that a certain part is made of the right material and to test compliance to RoHS and, for an extra fee, we can even bring it to a factory (as it’s less than 2 kg).
If needed we can work with a number of partner labs for other tests we can’t perform in our own testing lab (sometimes for compliance tests and certifications to CE, REACH, FCC, UL/ETL/CSA, etc.).

Can I optimize my inspections to make them more accurate and/or more efficient?

When a lot of inspection work is spent on repetitive tasks, there is often a better & faster way to do that work.

Consider QA/QC Inspection Optimization, which complements product inspections, where we can:

  • Clarify your QC standard
  • Set up a QA plan
  • Set up checking gauges/fixtures to speed up QC work
  • Confirm a manufacturer’s measurement system

Where can Sofeast conduct my inspection?

  • Our China regional office manages jobs in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Taiwan.
  • Our India regional office manages jobs in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Turkey.
  • Our Italy regional office manages jobs in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Specifically, the following countries:

AREA A*  
UK, Ireland, Germany
 
AREA B* 
Italy, Benelux, Switzerland, Austria, France
 
AREA C* 
Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Poland, Czech, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Lithuania, Latvia
Estonia, Israel, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico
 
AREA D*  
Slovakia, Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, Serbia, Macedonia, Armenia
Jordan, Dubai, Egypt, Tunisia, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Madagascar

*Area A is the highest inspection cost ranging to Area D of the lowest cost – please let us know where your factory is and we will confirm the correct cost for your project.
Sofeast’s Operating Areas Map View

Do you have more resources to help me learn about product inspections?

You may also be interested in learning more about improving product quality by reading these blog posts and guides about QC & inspections:

Book your product inspections now

 

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