Quality Control Basics (QC) If you’re hoping to have a new product manufactured overseas, you might be worried if your product looks the way you’ve expected and does what you want it to do. Inspections for quality control ensure that they do and are often an important part of the process of producing and importing goods.

You must study some key points on quality control before you start: how to get going, how to avoid pitfalls, and how to get the most out of inspections.

How to get started First, be mindful that while Asia may be a great place to buy cheap products for resale in the U.S., you may find product features or cosmetic problems, or you may not even receive the product.

Try finding a supplier with references or using online services such as Alibaba, Global Sources, or Import Genius to help you discover manufacturers to avoid being scammed. You’re going to want to build a strong supplier partnership. The ideal situation would be to meet them in person, so you and your supplier would be able to put a face to a name.

Avoid pitfalls In order to manage and measure progress, setting up roadmaps with your suppliers–including timing, expectations, etc. Make sure to check what checks and certifications are needed for your particular product, not only for security and enforcement on behalf of the general public, but also to save time and money while trying to import your goods into the U.S. With Customs checking out U.S. deliveries, any problems that occur with your goods can lead to delays and potentially financial loss.

Some manufacturers can also demand payment in advance. We will encourage you to discuss a partial payment, however: an initial deposit and the post-quality inspection balance. This has the added advantage of motivating the manufacturer to produce a quality product, as the balance of the bill is due only after you are pleased.

Get the most out of inspections Give the directions in detail. The fact that the product specifications are as nitpicky as possible will ensure that the inspector checks for every small detail. Although they are experts, they may miss key product specifications you are aware of (because you’re the one with the hand in the project from start to finish).

Sending your inspector a reference sample will help him understand exactly what you’re expecting, but the inspector should also write down your product specs in detail to make sure everything is on the line.

Generally speaking, summary quality control is a good investment. It averages about $300 per hour of the inspector, and it’s worth sinking cash to make sure that your products are good before shipping to your door and surprising you with problems.

Bonus tip: if you can check the factory yourself and meet your supplier face-to-face, check the bathroom your employees are using! It’s possible that if the workers don’t get the best treatment, the goods won’t.