Inspecting a 1688 order before it ships
Inspection is the cheapest point in the entire supply chain to catch a problem — the goods are still in China, the seller is still motivated, and nothing has been paid for international freight yet.
How it usually runs
- Goods arrive at the agent or warehouse from one or more sellers.
- A sample of units is pulled and checked against the listing and your spec.
- Photos and a short written report are sent to you before consolidation.
- You approve, the parcel is repacked, and the international leg is booked.
A reasonable checklist
- Quantity per SKU, counted not assumed.
- Colour and material against the listing photos in daylight.
- Dimensions and weight on a sample — chargeable weight depends on it.
- Function test on a sample where the product has one.
- Packaging integrity: cartons, inner boxes, any retail-ready packaging.
- Labels and any compliance marks your market requires.
The four defects buyers discover too late
| Defect | Why it is missed |
|---|---|
| Wrong colour variant | Photos are checked, SKU mix is not counted |
| Short quantity | Cartons are weighed, not counted |
| Missing compliance mark | Nobody checks the label until customs does |
| Damaged inner packaging | Outer carton looks fine; the retail box does not |
None of these are exotic. They are the ordinary results of nobody looking, and all of them are cheaper to fix before the container leaves than after.
Upload a product photo to get matching 1688 listings with price, MOQ and order count, so the inspection has a reference to check against.
Common questions
Who pays for inspection?
Usually the buyer as a service fee, either to the agent or a third-party inspector.
Can I inspect a single carton order?
Ask. Many agents photograph small orders as standard practice rather than charging for a formal inspection.
What if the inspection fails?
That is a negotiation with the seller while the goods are still in China — which is the entire reason to inspect early.
Try it on your own photo
Upload one product image and get the matching 1688 listings with price, MOQ, order count and supplier — free trial, no card needed.