How do I check an Amazon seller’s product quality inspections with the factory?

Request every inspection report you can get for the main products. Note who inspected, whether it was before shipment or on arrival, what was tested, what standard was used, and what the result was. Ask for photos, since reports with no pictures are harder to trust.

Pay attention to failures. How often did a batch fail, what was the cause, and how did the factory respond? Did the seller hold the shipment, rework it or accept it anyway? A seller who can explain a failed run clearly is usually more reassuring than one with no problems at all.

Next, cross-check with the customer side. Compare defect themes in reviews and returns with what the reports say was checked. Ask for the written specifications and any sample approvals. Find out whether the factory relationship is exclusive, whose name is on the product designs and tooling, and who owns the brand registration. Your lawyer can advise on tooling and design ownership, and whether the factory will work with a new owner. If an outside inspection company is used, ask for its contract, and whether the buyer can keep the arrangement or must hire another.

Key takeaways

• Get inspection reports with photos, standards used and results.
• Look closely at failed runs and how the seller responded.
• Cross-check reports with reviews and confirm who owns designs and tooling.
• Ask whether the outside inspector’s arrangement will continue with a new owner.