How to Run Quality Control for Custom Displays in China

From Sampling to Pre-Shipment — A Step-by-Step QC Playbook for Brand Teams
By Yan Luo | Samtop Display

A beautiful rendering is only a dream — until it’s physically made, checked, and packed. Quality control (QC) is where brands protect their campaign quality, visual standards, and retail integrity. In China, where production is fast but varied in quality, a solid QC process is not optional — it’s essential.

“How do I know the logo won’t peel?”
“Can I approve from photos?”
“What if we only find a mistake after shipping?”

This article outlines a full QC workflow — from sampling through final production — so your team catches issues early and protects your in-store experience.

Your design is flawless. But the delivered display has misaligned logos, wrong finishes, or damages in transit — and now your launch is compromised.

China factories move fast, but without a clear QC playbook, surprises happen late. Internal teams may lack visibility. Third-party inspectors may not know your brand standards. One overlooked flaw becomes hundreds of in-store problems.

A brand-owned QC system — phased by sampling, pre-production, and pre-shipment — using checklists, photos, video, and clear approvals. Fast, scalable, visual.

🧪 Phase 1: Sampling QC — The First Defense

✅ What to Check

📌 Pro Tip: Always test with the real product inside the display (e.g., perfume bottle or tester tube).

🔍 How to Approve

• Request both photo + video walkthroughs
• Approve all visible surfaces and seams
• Review panels under white and warm light
• Use a shared checklist across VM, procurement, and engineering

🏗️ Phase 2: Pre-Production QC — Lock It Before Mass Build

Before the first unit goes into full run, confirm:

• ✅ Golden Sample is signed, labeled, and sealed
• ✅ BOM and all materials are locked in
• ✅ Final logo artwork and location are confirmed
• ✅ Exploded view or engineering drawings are approved

📌 This is your last free change point — fix here, or pay later.

📦 Phase 3: Pre-Shipment QC — The Critical Final Gate

Inspect before the cartons leave the factory floor.

🎯 What to Require

• ✅ 25–50% visual spot check of finished units
• ✅ Full unboxing photos: carton, insert, foam, display
• ✅ Exterior carton labels + barcodes + QR (if needed)
• ✅ Logo alignment & print quality check
• ✅ Light test / magnet test / structural shake
• ✅ Photo with tape measure for scale
• ✅ Drop test video (for fragile or air/sea shipments)

📌 Approve final QC by photo/video if timeline is tight — but make no exceptions for branding accuracy.

🧰 Optional: Use Third-Party QC Agencies

For large or sensitive projects, hire professionals like:

• SGS
• QIMA (AsiaInspection)
• Intertek

They’ll provide:

• 50+ point inspection
• Photo-labeled PDF report
• Barcode + carton spec validation
• Pass/fail judgment with recommendations

📌 Add $100–$200 per batch — but avoid $10,000+ rework.

⚠️ Common QC Mistakes and Prevention Tips

📋 Suggested QC Timeline

💬 FAQ

Q: Can I skip QC if I’m short on time?

A: No. You can use remote approvals (photo/video), but skipping QC means gambling your launch.

Q: Can Samtop provide QC templates or checklists?

A: Yes — we provide PDF checklists for logos, packaging, coatings, and structure.

Q: Can I approve from video only?

A: Yes — for most surfaces and formats, especially repeat orders. But new materials should be seen in person once.

🎯 Conclusion: Your Display Is Only As Good As Your QC

✔️ Sampling protects brand vision
✔️ Pre-shipment QC prevents rollout disasters
✔️ Photos and checklists speed up global approvals
✔️ Smart QC = smooth campaign

📩 Need QC templates, video approval formats, or agency referrals?

👉 Email: yan@samtop.com
🌍 Visit: www.samtop.com

• SGS QC Services
• QIMA (AsiaInspection)
• Intertek Product Inspections