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The Carton Drop Test: 7 Things You Need to Know About It
When manufacturing products overseas, it is vital to take all possible steps to ensure product quality. More than that, you must ensure that your products survive the journey from the factory to the port and then across the ocean to you. Have you ever seen videos of...
Product Compliance: 5 Types of Requirements You Need to Understand
Understanding product regulatory compliance is non-negotiable for companies manufacturing and selling physical products. Ignoring it can lead to disasters for your business, such as product recalls that decimate your revenue or unexpected fines that kill your cash...
Is the Quality of Products Made in China Really That Bad?
There is a common perception in the West that China only makes low-quality goods. In many people's minds, a “Made in China” label may as well say, “This is a cheap, poorly-made product that will break within a few weeks.” Look at this meme — a great example of this...
What is a Factory Audit, and is it Different from an Inspection?
When you are considering a new supplier, vetting them as thoroughly as possible is crucial. Imagine placing your first order with a factory that seems to check all the boxes. However, they delay your order by months, and when you finally receive the products, they are...
Manufacturing in Pakistan: Is It Still a Good Option for Importers?
In recent years, many companies have worked to diversify their supply chains or adopt a China plus one model. You may even be among the importers assessing manufacturers in alternate countries. Pakistan has been in the news quite a bit recently due to its political...
Factory Audit Checklists: How to Screen New Suppliers (Free Download)
Screening new suppliers requires significant time and energy. Whether you're switching manufacturers or selecting your first one, it’s a bad idea to rush the process. Otherwise, you might end up with a low quality product and negative reviews. A factory audit is a...
What is a Golden Sample in Manufacturing, and Why are They Essential?
If you’re manufacturing a product and thinking about how to manage product quality effectively, you may have come across the term 'golden sample.' A Golden Sample, also called an approval sample, is a sample your manufacturer sends to you before mass production. It...
AQL Defect Classification: 3 Types of Defects You Need to Understand
Are you planning to conduct inspections using the AQL sampling method? You may be aware that three types of defects — minor, major, and critical — play a role. To conduct an effective inspection, you must understand these three defect types and develop a thorough...
The Essential Guide to Garment Quality Control Procedures
Are you concerned your manufacturer may not always produce apparel that meets your standards? Do you want to verify they’ve made your clothing with minimal defects before shipping an order? Managing quality and compliance in the apparel industry can be challenging....
What is Social Compliance, and How Do You Audit Your Suppliers?
Are your manufacturers treating workers fairly, compensating them enough, and prioritizing their health and safety? Do you have clear visibility into their practices, and are you taking steps to ensure they are in line with all labor laws? Social compliance is a...
5 Things You Need to Understand About Final Random Inspections
If you’ve hired a factory to produce consumer products — especially an overseas factory — you might want to verify product quality before they ship your order. That way, you can get a clear picture of how well-made the goods are before they make their long journey to...
Product Inspection vs. Testing: What is the Difference?
If you’ve developed a product and want to get it into the hands of consumers, you need to learn how to manage product quality and compliance. You may have heard the terms ‘product inspection’ and ‘product testing’ thrown around and been unsure whether they were the...
AQL General Inspection Levels: What are They, and How do They Work?
AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit) is an important sampling method you’ll use when conducting product inspections at your factory. So if you’re making consumer goods and learning about AQL, you’ve probably seen the various inspection levels along the top of the AQL chart....
Manufacturing in Vietnam: Is it the Best Choice for Your Business?
The Vietnamese manufacturing industry has boomed in recent years, and the country has continually grown its exports. In 2012, Vietnam exported just over $114 trillion worth of goods — items ranging from textiles to electronics. By 2022, exports ballooned over $370...
What is a Children’s Product Certificate, and How Do You Get One?
Are you planning to import or sell a children’s product in the United States? Did you know that if it’s intended for kids aged 12 or younger, a law called CPSIA requires you to produce a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC)? We often get emails from people who’ve...
Quality vs. Compliance: What They Are and How to Manage Them Effectively
Product quality and compliance are vital concerns for companies manufacturing consumer products. While quality is generally about meeting customer expectations, compliance is about meeting regulatory requirements. If you want to manufacture competitive products,...
Welcome to 2023. Here are 3 Things Importers Should Keep an Eye On
Happy New Year! The last several years have been challenging for companies managing international supply chains. As such, you’re probably trying to discern the direction of things as we dive into 2023. If there’s anything we’ve learned from the last half-decade, it’s...
Farewell to 2022, and Our Top 5 Articles of the Year
2022 is drawing to a close, and it’s time to reflect on the past year and prepare for a new one. It was another roller coaster of a year for supply chains, particularly with lockdowns and port closures in China. Thankfully, the country has decided to reopen, but with...