How we work with you throughout the product inspection process
We follow a clear, step-by-step process to arrange your service as quickly as possible, perform inspection, issue a detailed report and follow up with you to ensure you fully understand the results.
Before inspection
- Developing inspection criteria – Before booking, we’ll suggest specific checks and on-site testing for inspection and can help you create a custom QC checklist for your product if needed. We’ll also offer you several inspection options with different sample sizes to fit your budget.
- Booking inspection – Once we have all your product and order information necessary and have confirmed the service, we’ll work with your supplier to arrange inspection when you need it.
During inspection
- Pulling a random sample – Once we’ve confirmed the inspection date with your supplier, our inspectors travel to the factory on the appointed day to conduct inspection. They begin by pulling a random sample (unless you’ve specified a 100-percent inspection) of units from production, typically based on AQL standards. This ensures you get a representative look at your order.
- Checking the product and packaging – Our inspectors individually check each unit in the sample size by hand, confirming your specifications, including color & dimensions, function and more. If available, staff will also inspect retail packaging and shipper cartons to verify sealing method, labeling, weight & dimensions and more.
- Conducting on-site testing – Inspectors will conduct any on-site tests relevant and necessary for your product, such as hi-pot testing for consumer electronics or fabric density check for garments and textiles.
After inspection
- Issuing the report – Within 24 hours of inspection, our staff will issue you their detailed report by email, complete with photos and remarks showing the condition and quality of your product and any issues found. They can also send you video footage of the product or factory if needed.
- Following up and interpreting results – Our global support team is available to discuss any part of the inspection, results and suggested corrective action plan to address any quality issues. They can help you clarify results and answer any questions so that you can address any problems with your supplier appropriately.
Lighting Quality Control Approach
3Q technical engineers take into account your quality objectives and unique product specifications, to build a customized lighting inspection checklist.
3Q inspectors verify the mass production workmanship based on your Acceptable Quality Limits (AQL), provide an overview of the finished goods’ quality, and highlight the key production areas requiring improvement. We also perform on-site tests and assess compliance with your product’s specifications and reference samples.
Some tests on lighting require a controlled environment to ensure compliance with the standards and regulations. AQF inspectors pick products from each lot and forward them to an accredited laboratory for testing.
3Q goes further than the average quality inspection service in China by assisting you to set up, manage, and monitor a customized surveillance program. We use our extensive product knowledge, along with KPIs from our leading edge online technology, to identify and help implement improvements to optimize your supply chain efficiency.
Main Tests performed during an inspection of lightings and bulbs
| Rub test on rating label Stability test Wobbly base check Carton drop test Smell test Pull test (US) Power cord strain relief test (EU) 3M Tape check on silk-screen/painting/ printings | Dimming test Polarity test Installation test for lamp and lamp holder Lighting source test (if with bulb or LED) Power consumption (if with bulb or LED) Running test with lighting for 4 hours | Waterproof test Torque test Hi-pot test EMC test Moisture check (if with solid wood part) The length of power cord check Internal construction review (CDF check) |
Main tests on lighting performed in a laboratory:
| EN 60598 Luminaires international standard EN 50285 Luminous Efficacy EN 60357, 60064, 60969, Light bulb Lifetime | IEC 62471 Specific radiant UV power EN 60969 Lamp start time EN 60969 Lamp warm-up time | IEC 62471 Photo biological safety of light bulbs IEC 61000-3-2 Power Factor IEC 60825 Laser Classification |