After delivery
Receiving an apparel shipment: inspection, claims and re-orders
When apparel arrives, check the carton count against the packing list and look for external damage before you sign. Then open a sample of cartons and check quantities, sizes and quality against the approved sample. Photograph and report any problem quickly, and keep the approved specification on file so re-orders match.
Key takeaways
- Count cartons against the packing list and note external damage on the delivery receipt.
- Open a sample of cartons to check quantity, size ratio and quality.
- Document problems with photos, carton numbers and quantities, and report them promptly.
- Keep the approved sample and specification on file for re-orders.
At the door: before you sign
Count the cartons against the packing list. Check the outside for crushed, wet or opened cartons. If there is damage, note it on the delivery receipt before you sign, and photograph anything unusual.
Inside the cartons
Open a sample of cartons, taking them from different parts of the shipment, and check a few things.
- Quantity and size ratio match the packing list.
- The garments match the approved sample in colour, fabric, decoration and labels.
- A few pieces per size are measured against the size chart and tolerance.
- Packaging is right: polybags, size stickers, hangtags, collar stays.
If something is wrong
Transit damage goes to your forwarder and cargo insurer. Under FOB and CIF, risk passed to you when the goods were loaded in China. A quality or quantity issue goes to the supplier, with carton numbers, photos, the quantities affected and the reference sample.
Report quickly and precisely. A documented claim gets resolved far faster than a general complaint.
Re-orders
The easiest way to get the same garment next season is to keep the approved specification on file: fabric, GSM, colour standards, size chart, decoration, trims, labels and packing.
Final thoughts
Most delivery problems are prevented upstream, by inspection before shipment and correct packing. When something does go wrong, fast documentation is what protects you.