Quality Inspection Checklists
Use these checklists to ensure consistent quality across orders and suppliers.
Pre-Shipment Inspection Checklist
Visual Inspection Points
- Overall Appearance: No visible defects, symmetry correct
- Stitching: Even spacing, no loose threads, proper tension
- Seams: No gap > 2mm, properly sealed
- Edges: Clean finishing, no rough edges
- Color Matching: Consistent across pairs and shipment
- Logo/Branding: Correct placement, clear printing
- Packaging: Correct style/color/size distribution
Functional Tests
- Fasteners: Zippers work smoothly, buttons secure
- Laces: Properly inserted, adequate length
- Buckles: Secure closure, easy operation
- Straps: Properly attached, adequate strength
- Flexing: No cracking at flex point
- Heel Attachment: Secure, no wobble
Size/Measurement Check
- Length within tolerance
- Width within tolerance
- Height correct
- Weight within specification
AQL Sampling Standards
Use AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) sampling for objective quality determination.
| Lot Size | Sample Size | AQL 2.5 (Major) | AQL 4.0 (Minor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 501-1200 | 80 | 3 | 5 |
| 1201-3200 | 125 | 5 | 7 |
| 3201-10000 | 200 | 7 | 10 |
| 10001-35000 | 315 | 10 | 14 |
Supplier Evaluation Form
Use this template to systematically evaluate potential footwear suppliers.
Factory Evaluation Scorecard
Section A: Production Capacity
- Monthly capacity: _____ pairs
- Number of production lines: _____
- Workers count: _____
- Lead time (standard): _____ days
- Can meet your MOQ? [ ] Yes [ ] No
Section B: Quality Management
- Quality control staff: _____
- QC ratio to workers: _____
- Certifications: [ ] ISO [ ] BSCI [ ] SEDEX [ ] Other _____
- Has laboratory? [ ] Yes [ ] No
- Defect rate target: _____ %
Section C: Experience
- Years in business: _____
- Years exporting: _____
- Main markets: _____
- Current major clients: _____
- Experience with your product type? [ ] Yes [ ] No
Section D: Communication
- English speaking staff? [ ] Yes [ ] No
- Response time: _____ hours
- Communication tools: _____
- Willing to video calls? [ ] Yes [ ] No
Section E: Facilities
- Factory area: _____ sqm
- Showroom available? [ ] Yes [ ] No
- Warehouse capacity: _____ sqm
- Location (port distance): _____ km
Landed Cost Calculator
Calculate the true cost of importing footwear with this formula.
Total Landed Cost Formula
TLC = FOB + Ocean + Insurance + Duty + Clearance + Handling
Example Calculation
| Item | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FOB Price | $12.00/pair | Factory price |
| Ocean Freight | $0.85/pair | FCL 40ft, 6000 pairs |
| Insurance | $0.13/pair | ~1.1% of value |
| Import Duty (12%) | $1.56/pair | 12% x $13.00 |
| Clearance | $0.25/pair | Broker fee |
| Local Delivery | $0.50/pair | Port to warehouse |
| Total Landed Cost | $15.29/pair | 27% above FOB |
Price Negotiation Worksheet
Prepare for price negotiations with this worksheet.
Pre-Negotiation Checklist
Know Your Position
- [ ] Target price: $_____
- [ ] Walk-away price: $_____
- [ ] Competitor quotes obtained: [ ] Yes [ ] No
- [ ] Market price range known: [ ] Yes [ ] No
Know Your Leverage
- [ ] Order volume: _____ pairs
- [ ] Long-term potential: _____ pairs/year
- [ ] Payment terms offered: _____
- [ ] Alternative suppliers identified: [ ] Yes [ ] No
Know Your Value
- [ ] Consistent ordering (loyalty premium?)
- [ ] Full payment upfront (discount opportunity?)
- [ ] Flexible delivery scheduling
- [ ] Willingness to provide future business
Negotiation Trade-offs
If they won't lower price, what can you ask for instead?
- [ ] Extended payment terms
- [ ] Free samples for next order
- [ ] Reduced MOQ for first order
- [ ] Faster production for rush orders
- [ ] Waived tooling costs
Order Specification Template
Use this template to communicate order requirements clearly to suppliers.
═══════════════════════════════════════════ FOOTWEAR ORDER SPECIFICATION ═══════════════════════════════════════════ ORDER DETAILS Order Number: _____________ Date: _____________ Buyer: _____________ Supplier: _____________ PRODUCT INFORMATION Style Name: _____________ Style Number: _____________ Product Type: [ ] Athletic [ ] Casual [ ] Dress [ ] Other Gender: [ ] Men [ ] Women [ ] Children [ ] Unisex Size Range: US _____ to _____ Width: [ ] Narrow [ ] Medium [ ] Wide [ ] Extra Wide MATERIALS Upper Material: _____________ Lining Material: _____________ Insole Material: _____________ Outsole Material: _____________ Hardware: _____________ Packaging: _____________ QUANTITY & PRICING Quantity per Size: US 6: ___ pairs US 7: ___ pairs US 8: ___ pairs US 9: ___ pairs US 10: ___ pairs US 11: ___ pairs Total: ___ pairs FOB Price: $_____ per pair Total FOB Value: $_____ Incoterms: [ ] EXW [ ] FOB [ ] CIF [ ] DDP Currency: _____________ PRODUCTION TIMELINE Sample Approval Date: _____________ Production Start: _____________ Production Complete: _____________ Ship Date: _____________ Delivery Date: _____________ QUALITY REQUIREMENTS AQL Standard: Major _____ Minor _____ Inspection Standard: _____________ Special Requirements: _____________ PACKAGING Inner Packaging: _____________ Master Carton: _____________ Pairs per Carton: _____ Carton Dimensions: _____ x _____ x _____ cm Carton Weight: _____ kg gross LABELING Brand Label: [ ] Required [ ] Not Required Size Label: [ ] Required [ ] Not Required Country of Origin: _____________ UPC/EAN Barcode: [ ] Required [ ] Not Required PAYMENT TERMS Deposit: _____% upon order Balance: _____% before shipment Method: [ ] T/T [ ] L/C [ ] Other NOTES & SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ APPROVALS Buyer Signature: ____________ Date: _____ Supplier Signature: ____________ Date: _____
Production Timeline Template
Use this timeline to track production milestones.
Standard Milestones
| Milestone | Typical Timing | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Order Confirmed | Day 0 | Deposit payment |
| Sample Approved | Day 7-14 | Written approval |
| Materials Shipped | Day 14-21 | Track delivery |
| Production Start | Day 21-28 | Request photos |
| Mid-line Inspection | Day 35-40 | On-site/video QC |
| Final Inspection | Day 45-50 | AQL sampling |
| Shipment | Day 50-55 | Balance payment |
Communication Templates
Standard templates for common communications with suppliers.
Initial Inquiry Email
Subject: Footwear Sourcing Inquiry - [Product Type] Dear [Supplier Name], I represent [Company Name], a [country] based footwear importer. We are interested in sourcing [product type] for our [market/brand]. Requirements: - Product: [description] - Quantity: [amount] pairs per order - Quality Standard: [AQL/standard] - Target Price: $[XX.XX] FOB [port] - Target Delivery: [timeline] Could you please provide: 1. Your product catalog 2. FOB pricing for our requirements 3. Sample availability and cost 4. Production lead time 5. Factory location and certifications Best regards, [Name] [Company] [Contact info]
Sample Request Email
Subject: Sample Request - Order #[XXXXX] Dear [Supplier Name], We would like to order samples for the following styles as approved by our design team: Styles: 1. [Style Name] - [Color] - Size [range] 2. [Style Name] - [Color] - Size [range] Please ship: - [X] pairs per style (all sizes or [specific sizes]) - Include original packaging Shipping address: [Full address] Please confirm: - Sample cost per pair - Shipping cost - Total amount due - Expected delivery date Payment: [PayPal/T/T to follow] Best regards, [Name]
Useful Tools & Resources
Currency Converters
- XE.com - Real-time currency rates
- OANDA - Historical rate data
- XTransfer - Trade-focused forex
Shipping Calculators
- Freightos - Container rate database
- Flexport - Freight quotes
- INTTRA - Ocean booking platform
Trade Databases
- UN Comtrade - Trade statistics
- Trade Map - Market analysis
- HS Code Lookup - Tariff classification
Testing Laboratories
- SGS - Global testing services
- Bureau Veritas - Inspection & testing
- Intertek - Laboratory services
- TÜV - European testing