What is pre-shipment quality inspection and should wholesale buyers do it?

Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is a quality check performed on finished goods before they leave the supplier warehouse — ensuring what is dispatched matches what was ordered.

What a pre-shipment inspection checks:

• Quantity verification — actual count vs order
• Style and design matches the purchase order
• Colour matches approved sample
• Size measurements within tolerance (±1 cm)
• Stitching quality — seams, hems, buttons, zippers
• Embellishment quality — embroidery, prints, sequins
• Packaging — correct folding, polybag, hang tags

When to do it:

• Orders above ₹1 lakh from a new supplier
• First custom or indent order with a manufacturer
• Export shipments (almost always required)

For smaller orders: Request supplier to send pre-dispatch photos/video — a quick visual check without formal inspection cost.