Lara GuevaraSupply Chain expert (Product and Service)

Inspections Aren't Optional

22 Apr 2026 · 1 min

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Lara Guevara explains why DTC brands can't skip pre-shipment inspections. One brand saved $200 on an inspection, then paid $2,200 to fix mislabeled units in the warehouse. Inspections catch defects when production is 80% done, checking quality, quantity, labeling, packaging, and carton dimensions.

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Many growing DTCs skip pre-shipment inspections because they feel expensive, but skipping them almost always costs more. Pre-shipment inspections happen when production is about 80% complete. An inspection checks product quality, quantity, labeling, packaging, and carton dimensions. If a defect is found at the factory, it can be corrected immediately. If it's discovered at your warehouse, the fix is are more expensive. I saw one brand skip a $200 inspection. 30% of the units arrived mislabeled. Fixing the issue at the warehouse in US cost $2,200. Book a pre-shipment inspection for your next order. Treat that as a required production step, not an optional cost.