When you work with a fixture company that has overseas partners it very important to make sure ahead of time that they have a stringent quality control process in place both overseas and in the USA. Starting with the prototype and ending with the delivery of the final product, each stage has its own issues  that need to be checked to maintain a maximum level of quality.

Documented Overseas Q/C Process. To make sure that you are receiving the best quality product, there needs to be a secure and documented inspection process at every project stage. First, the prototype must be designed and approved to specification and then production can begin. During production through completion, it is important that the supplier have overseas employees to inspect at every production stage up to the final product on site to make sure it meets all the buyer’s specifications. They also keep the project moving to ensure the buyer’s deadlines will be met.

Onsite Factory Inspections. The supplier needs to have a rigorous process for testing quality, finish and packing before the finished fixture leaves its offshore destination. A good supplier will not ship a product that does not pass inspections and will have employees onsite to make sure this happens. The lead time for the overseas manufacturing process is generally about 8-10 weeks so it is important to get the inspections done right so the fixtures and ship on schedule.

Rigorous Stateside Pre-delivery Inspection. Once the product has been shipped, it generally takes about 3 weeks to reach its stateside destination. When the final product arrives at the supplier’s facility, should undergoe another rigorous inspection to make sure there are no missing parts or defects. Since a poorly made product that is not created to the correct specifications will waste the buyer’s valuable time and money, the supplier should have a detailed and comprehensive inspection process for each product before delivery.

Ultimately your job depends on the speed and the quality that your chosen partner can deliver, so it is key that you do your homework ahead of time and know who you are working with. Ask your fixture vendor if they have overseas staff for both engineering and inspection and if they do you will be able to rest easy in the knowledge that your project will arrive stateside on-time and looking great.

Interested in learning more? The retail experts at Specialty Store Services can help. Call us today at 800.999.0771 or click here to visit our website for more information.