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 SizeSample SizeAQL 2.5 (Major)AQL 4.0 (Minor)
501-12008035
1201-320012557
3201-10000200710
10001-350003151014

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

ItemValueNotes
FOB Price$12.00/pairFactory price
Ocean Freight$0.85/pairFCL 40ft, 6000 pairs
Insurance$0.13/pair~1.1% of value
Import Duty (12%)$1.56/pair12% x $13.00
Clearance$0.25/pairBroker fee
Local Delivery$0.50/pairPort to warehouse
Total Landed Cost$15.29/pair27% 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

MilestoneTypical TimingAction Required
Order ConfirmedDay 0Deposit payment
Sample ApprovedDay 7-14Written approval
Materials ShippedDay 14-21Track delivery
Production StartDay 21-28Request photos
Mid-line InspectionDay 35-40On-site/video QC
Final InspectionDay 45-50AQL sampling
ShipmentDay 50-55Balance 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