In this article
Short answer: before your goods are packed for shipping, they go through a final inspection to AQL 2.5 against your signed spec and approved sample. It covers eight things. You receive the report and production photos before the balance is due, and your own inspector is welcome.
The eight checks
| Check | Against what | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Count | The order quantity, per size and colour | Carton and piece count |
| 2. Size | Finished measurements and tolerance on the spec | Tape measure, flat table |
| 3. Weight | Piece weight and tolerance on the spec | Scale reading to the gram |
| 4. Shade | The approved sample or shade reference | Daylight, side by side |
| 5. Workmanship | The agreed defect list | Eyes and hands, piece by piece in the sample |
| 6. Labels and embroidery | Approved artwork and positions | Approved photo |
| 7. Packing | The packing instruction: fold, bag, pieces per carton | Open cartons |
| 8. Carton marks | The marks you approved | Read every side |
How the sample is chosen
Cartons are picked at random from across the lot, not from the front of the stack. The number of pieces checked follows the AQL table for your order size: 125 pieces for an order of 2,000. See AQL 2.5 in actual pieces.
What counts as a defect on a towel
| Major | Minor |
|---|---|
| Hole, tear or cut | A loose thread end that can be trimmed |
| Stain or oil mark | Slight unevenness in the hem stitch |
| Pulled or missing loops in a visible patch | A label a few millimetres off position |
| Size or weight outside tolerance | |
| Open seam or unravelling hem | |
| Shade clearly different from the reference |
For sheets, add weaving faults, misaligned hems and wrong hem width.
Why the final check should find little
Final inspection is the last gate, not the first. The order is checked at each handover between stages: fabric weight after weaving, shade after dyeing, size after washing. A problem found at the end is expensive for us to fix, so we try not to find any there. See six specialist stages.
What happens when a lot fails
It does not ship. Depending on the fault, the lot is sorted piece by piece, the faulty pieces are repaired or replaced, and the lot is inspected again. That costs us time and money. It costs you nothing but the wait, and we tell you as soon as we know.
What you receive
- The inspection report, with sample size, findings and result
- Measurements and weights taken
- Photos of the goods, labels, packing and carton marks
- The packing list, with carton count and gross weight
Keep the report. It is useful for your own customer, for audits and for comparing the next order.
Then the balance, then the seal
Our terms are 50 percent advance and 50 percent on completion. The balance falls due after the inspection passes. Cartons are then sealed and moved to Cochin. See inspect before you pay.
Your part
- Agree the defect list and tolerances when you place the order.
- Approve labels and carton marks from photos early.
- Tell us in good time if you are sending an inspector, so the goods are ready and accessible.
- Check a sample of cartons when the goods arrive, using a receiving checklist. Ours is on the AQL calculator page.
Read more
Our quality page sets out the standard we work to. To see a spec written so that it can be inspected, send us your requirement.
Share this article
Want pricing on what you just read?
Leave your work email — our export desk replies with specs, MOQ and a quote within 1 business day.
Written by
Dr Abin Babu
Founder & Chairman, Anabyn Global Ventures
Anabyn exports hotel and home linen from Kerala, India. These guides come from the questions buyers ask our desk. About the team
Ready to Order?
Send us your specification. We reply within one business day and send a priced quote within 48 hours.
Request an Export QuoteWhere to go next