SUPPLY CHAIN: ACTIVE LOW VOLTAGE / INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION GUANGZHOU · CHINA
SERVICE · 05

Pre-shipment Inspection: model and label check
before the goods leave China

Does the bulk match the sample? Model and quantity correct? Any issues with labels, appearance or packaging? We verify before shipment — video inspection or on-site — so you don't find out only after the goods land.

Pre-shipment inspection - ElecBridge
Short Answer

When sourcing from China, many problems are only discovered after the goods arrive — wrong model, short quantity, scuffed surfaces, wrong labels, packaging that won't survive shipping. By then, freight cost and time are already gone. Pre-shipment inspection means checking each item before the goods leave the Chinese factory — catching problems before shipment. Video inspection or on-site, your call on the depth.

WHO · WHO THIS IS FOR

If you have any of these concerns

WHAT · WHAT WE INSPECT

Item-by-item, nothing critical missed

Inspection isn't "take a photo and call it done." Every item below has a defined scope — what we check, how we check it, what problems we look for.

ItemWhat we check
Model & specifications Item by item, we verify the actual model, spec and parameters against the order / contract — paying special attention to similar models that are easy to confuse.
Quantity Count the actual quantity and check that accessories are complete — flagging shortages, over-shipments and wrong items.
Appearance & workmanship Check for dents, scratches, deformation and dirt; assess solder joints, wiring and assembly workmanship.
Labels & markings Verify nameplate, brand mark, rating label and serial number — correct, legible and matching the actual unit (catching refurbished and counterfeit-labeled goods).
Basic function Where feasible, run basic power-on / actuation tests to confirm core functions work (depending on the product type).
Certification markings Verify the on-product certification markings (CE/UL/CCC etc.) are complete and consistent with the documentation.
Packaging & protection Check that packaging is sturdy, moisture- and shock-resistant, and suitable for long-distance sea freight; shipping marks and labels correct — preventing in-transit damage.

Two inspection modes — choose what fits

Video inspection: we or the supplier are on site, and walk you through each item over live video — low cost, fast, suitable for routine orders. On-site inspection: we send someone to the factory for a more thorough and rigorous check and test — suitable for large, critical or higher-risk orders. We'll recommend which mode fits your situation.

RISKS · WHAT SKIPPING INSPECTION COSTS

By the time the goods arrive, it's already too late

Common outcomes when pre-shipment inspection is skipped

HOW TO START

Three steps to gate shipment

1

Send the order details

Send us the order / contract, model list and supplier info — and tell us what you want to focus on (what you're most worried about).

2

We arrange the inspection

Before shipment, we arrange video or on-site inspection and work through model, quantity, appearance, labels, function and packaging item by item.

3

You get an inspection report

An inspection report with photos / video. If issues are found, we coordinate rework or correction with the supplier — and only release shipment once it's confirmed clean.

FAQ

Pre-shipment inspection frequently asked

Q.01
Is video inspection actually enough, or must it be on-site?
It depends on order value and risk. For routine orders, video inspection is usually enough — live video walks through model, quantity, appearance, labels and packaging, at low cost and fast turnaround. For large, critical or higher-risk orders, we recommend an on-site inspection with more thorough checks and function tests. We'll recommend based on your situation — no charging for what you don't need.
Q.02
Can inspection catch "the bulk doesn't match the sample"?
Yes — this is one of the biggest values of pre-shipment inspection. Many suppliers cherry-pick samples but substitute in the bulk. We check model, workmanship, labels and materials in the bulk before shipment — stopping "good sample, bad bulk" before the goods leave. Catching it on arrival is far more expensive.
Q.03
How do you spot refurbished goods or counterfeit relabeling?
Mainly by nameplates, serial numbers, workmanship and packaging detail. Refurbished or relabeled goods usually slip on nameplate printing, serial-number patterns, wear marks and packaging. 19 years of exposure to the mainstream brands means we know what genuine units look like — and can spot the fakes. We can verify serial numbers where needed.
Q.04
If inspection turns up problems, what happens next?
We tell you immediately and coordinate with the supplier to correct, rework, top up or replace, releasing shipment only after the issues are resolved and the order meets requirements. The point of inspection isn't just to find problems — it's to fix them before shipment, so you don't receive defective goods.
Q.05
If you handle full sourcing for me, do I still need a separate inspection?
No separate arrangement needed — if you use our full sourcing service, pre-shipment inspection is already included as part of our QC process. This standalone inspection service is mainly for buyers who found their own supplier and just want us to gate the shipment.
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