How to Perform a Quality Control Audit for Amazon Private Label Brand

For Amazon private label sellers, quality control is one of the secrets to your product’s success. A Quality Control Audit will ensure that products you are selling are high in quality, as customers have come to anticipate. Having a proper audit done will keep defective products from reaching your customers, which will save you time, money, and harm to your brand.

At Tetra Inspection, we offer specialized and extensive quality control audits for private label retailers. Here is how you can carry out a QC audit with our services.

1. Develop an Exhaustive QC Plan Before Production

Product Specifications: Get the precise specifications of your product, such as size, color, weight, materials, and any other details. This is your blueprint for the completed product.

Testing Requirements: Identify any tests that are required (e.g., durability, electrical, chemical, safety, etc.) by your product type.

Packaging Standards: Define the packaging standards needed, such as materials, labeling, and warning notices.

Acceptance Criteria: Determine definitive criteria for acceptable and rejectable defects (for example, color deviation tolerance ranges, surface defects, or weight variances).

Regulatory Compliance: Identify the applicable safety standards (e.g., ASTM, CE, FDA, etc.) and regulations that your product will need to meet according to the target market.

This report will be shared with your supplier and QC department (e.g., Tetra Inspection) so that everyone is aligned in terms of quality expectations.

2. Begin with Pre-Production Inspections

The auditing process starts prior to the start of production. Pre-production audit is all regarding ensuring your raw material and product samples are of the quality you require. During this phase, Tetra Inspection cooperates closely with your supplier to ensure the materials are properly obtained and the first product samples are audited to ensure the design meets your specifications.

This stage is cost-effective in the long term by having all preparations done prior to full-scale production.

3. In-Production Inspections

Quality control does not need to run while production is running. In-production inspection is important for monitoring the quality of products as they are being manufactured in real time. Detecting issues early, such as material inconsistencies or assembly issues, can prevent them from escalating into larger problems within the final batch.

During in-production checks, ensure;

Assembly Consistency: Keep an eye on the assembly line to make sure the assembly is correct and consistent, with no variation from your design.

Dimensional Accuracy: Ensure all products comply with approved dimensions and design. Incorrect sizing can cause returns and customer complaints.

Functionality: Check the functionality of any moving parts, electronics, or special features to see if they all work appropriately.

These inspections allow you to identify defects early, minimizing production delays and costly mistakes.

4. Pre-Shipment Inspections

After manufacturing, pre-shipment inspection is your last opportunity to make certain that the goods meet your specifications and are prepared for delivery without defects. This is the most vital process prior to shipping your products to Amazon or your clients.

Key areas to inspect pre-shipment are:

• Functionality Testing: Test a sample representative to ensure the product performs as it should. For example, if it is an electric device, ensure that it turns on and operates normally.
• Aesthetic Quality: Examine thoroughly for any defects in appearance that can be seen. This encompasses evenness of surface, uniformity of color, and correctness of labeling. Defects at this point are hard to correct and damage your brand.
• Packaging Quality: Ensure the packaging is of your desired quality. Look for:
• Packaging integrity (no damage, adequate cushioning, etc.)
• Accurate labeling, consisting of product information and safety hazards
• Adherence to Amazon’s packaging regulations (where relevant)
• Accurate quantity and SKU identification

Order Verification: Verify that the right quantities are manufactured and the product assortment is as per your purchase order. Any variance will result in overstock or stockout, which will impact your Amazon listings and your business.