China accounts for around 30% of the world’s manufacturing output, making it an appealing location for many companies to base operations. However, it is essential to have quality control services to help oversee the manufacturing process. So, how do you arrange a quality control inspection in China?
Hiring a quality control company allows you to safeguard your supply chain, protect your reputation, increase consumer trust, and provide reliable products. So, where do you begin? Follow these tips to find the best one for your needs.
1. Determine Your Goals
Determine your goals before you begin searching for quality control companies. What quality standards do you need to uphold? For example, if your focus is on price, it is essential that the company can inspect the quality of products throughout the process.
Quality control companies offer different services, from helping you find a supplier to inspecting the one you picked. Reflecting on your concerns, product requirements, and specific industry needs will help you narrow down your search for the right service.
2. Check Company Experience
How long has the quality control service worked in China? You want a service that is familiar with Chinese rules and regulations, along with international laws, to ensure the flow of goods is not disrupted. Find a company that has knowledge of supply chain needs in your industry.
You can also look for a company that offers other services, such as product development, OEM manufacturing, and supply chain management. This can indicate their manufacturing knowledge and expertise, which will help inform their quality control for your company.
An experienced company should also be aware of upcoming supply chain trends, such as the increase in logistics automation in China. Spend time looking at the company website and talking with representatives to determine if the company can conduct inspections that will meet your industry standards.
3. Review Their Reputation
A quality control service may look promising, but just like suppliers, you must ensure their reputation matches. You can ask acquaintances also operating in China for recommendations.
You can also check online reviews. The company may have customer testimonials on its website. Also, check independent reviews to ensure they align.
Affiliations can indicate a good reputation, too. Look out for services that are accredited by institutions such as:
- British Chamber of Commerce Guangdong
- The European Chamber of Commerce in China
- The China-Britain Business Council (CBBC)
Accreditations demonstrate that a company is trustworthy without the need for you to test it in detail. In order for a company to be fully accredited, they have to meet specific industry standards. These accreditations link Western countries and Asia, providing reliable standards.
4. Quality Control Services
Not every quality control company in China offers the same services. There are different stages of inspections, including pre-production, in-process, and container loading.
Check whether the quality control service offers pre-production services such as:
- Factory audits and verification
- Social audits
- Pre-production inspections
Pre-production inspections will ensure everything is ready, and you can proceed with production. Quality control services often offer different types of factory audits, from basic audits to more extensive ones. Audits should cover considerations such as machinery, processes, in-house quality control, and production quality.
Social audits should meet the SA 8000 regulations. These include reviewing health and safety practices. They should also check factors such as wages, child labor laws, discrimination, forced labor, and disciplinary practices.
In-process inspections should include the following:
- First article inspection
- In-production quality control
- Defect sorting services
- Pre-shipment inspections
These audits are essential to protect the workers manufacturing your goods. It also protects your reputation and supply chain flow.
Container loading inspections will ensure your goods arrive in the best condition. Check if inspectors can release funds to prevent delays in the release of goods.
5. Learn Company Values
When hiring quality control services, check their company values. Are they transparent with their processes and provide detailed information?
You want to be on the same page from the beginning. Do not be afraid to ask questions and consider looking elsewhere if a company is vague or doesn’t provide all the services you need.
You want to find a company that cares for your company’s success. They should recognize the challenges that come from manufacturing in China and know how to navigate them with ease. So, you can reap the rewards of manufacturing in China instead.
Look out for essential details, such as driver documentation and vehicle documentation checks. It is crucial they also authorize documents and cross-reference. Companies should be aware of the importance of the factory chop (stamp), which is legally binding in China.
Also, confirm how the company will share information with you. For example, will they provide a detailed report with photos, and can you contact the company if you have any questions?
6. Confirm Costs and Written Contracts
Find a quality control company that offers transparent prices. They may also offer packages with other services included.
Work out your budget in advance so you do not run into problems at a later date. You do not want a quality control company to suspend services while production is happening.
Remember to consider the cost-savings and benefits of using a quality control company when working out your budget. A reputable company will prevent risks such as product damage. It will also have a contingency plan should any issues occur to stop production at your current factory.
A quality control service should provide a written contract when you are ready. Be sure to check for any hidden fees and ask any final questions before you sign.
The Best Quality Control Service in China
Follow these tips to hire a quality control service you can depend on in China. They are often the eyes and ears of your manufacturing process, meaning they will make or break production success.
Are you ready to hire quality control services? China 2 West Services are Western-owned and managed, based in China. We’ve worked on over 15,000 completed products and can provide the quality control services your company needs for success.
Contact us today to discuss your case.
