You have found a supplier with good prices and a nice catalogue. Before you transfer a deposit, here is a practical quality-control checklist that professional importers use — most of it can be done remotely before your first order.

Step 1: Remote Factory Verification

You do not need to fly to China to verify a factory. A structured video call can tell you a lot:

  • Ask to see the production line — is it actually running, or an empty showroom?
  • Ask for the business license and export license, and match the company name to your contract
  • Ask for recent shipment photos and the loading process
  • Ask about their QC staff: how many inspectors, what checks at each stage?
  • Ask for certification reports covering your model

A serious factory will schedule a live walkthrough within days. If the supplier resists or sends only edited videos, treat that as a warning sign.

Step 2: The Sample Testing Checklist

Samples are your best quality evidence. Run every model through this checklist before approving mass production:

  • Frame: welding smoothness, paint adhesion, no rust or burrs
  • Folding: open/close 50 times — no sticking, no loose joints
  • Brakes: engage on a slope, hold under load
  • Harness: 5-point straps, buckle strength, easy adjustment
  • Fabric: smell, stitching, zipper quality, waterproofing
  • Wheels: swivel smoothness, locking, suspension (if any)
  • Packaging: carton strength, inner packing, moisture protection
  • Weight and dimensions: match the specification sheet

If possible, keep one sample untouched — you can compare it with the production batch later.

Step 3: Quality Control During Production

Quality is not checked at the end; it is built during production. Ask your factory for:

  • Pre-production meeting: confirm materials, colors and key dimensions before cutting
  • In-line inspection: photos or video of welding, sewing and assembly stages
  • Pre-shipment inspection (PSI): the most important check, usually done when 80–100% of goods are ready
  • Random sampling: AQL level II sampling is the industry standard (major defects 2.5%, minor defects 4.0%)

You can hire an independent inspection company (SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV) for the PSI, or ask the factory for their own inspection photos with the report.

Step 4: Documents to Request

  • Test report (EN 1888 / ASTM F833) for your exact model
  • Material certificates for key components (steel tubing, plastic, fabric)
  • Inspection report before shipment
  • Commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin
  • Photos of the actual production batch and container loading

What to Do If Quality Falls Short

  • Define acceptance criteria in the contract before production: what is a major defect, what is acceptable
  • Agree on rework: defective units are repaired or replaced at the factory's cost
  • Never accept "we will fix it next order" for serious issues — document everything with photos
  • For repeated problems, switch to the next supplier; quality control is a filter, not a fix

Andbaby's Quality Approach

As a factory-direct manufacturer, Andbaby runs QC at three stages — incoming materials, in-line production and pre-shipment inspection. Every stroller model is tested to EN 1888 and ASTM F833, and we are happy to arrange a live video factory tour and provide production photos at any stage. For first-time buyers, we recommend starting with samples and a small order to build confidence before scaling up.