QC on Importing Goods from China - Advice on testing requirements

[teemsta]

Hi,

I have recently started at a company that imports goods from the Far East. They brand these products as their own and sell them to the general public under this brand. Until now, this company has not adopted any QC into their purchasing and it has landed to me to sort this out. However, I am really struggling to find out what the general approach is used and what I am suggesting is being met with some serious hesitation!

Lets take for example a power tool. Its a new product for us to be branded in our name and we have never purchased it before. We are only looking to buy about 100 units as a start to see if they sell. CE, EMC, LVD, etc certs have been received so we are confident it is ok from this viewpoint. However, what we don't know (and have been stung for in the past) is whether it actually does what it says on the tin! I suggested they have a sample tested externally, but has been met with massive obstruction from both our buyer and the supplier due to the cost implications.

So, as someone with limited experience, I would like to ask what would normally be done to assess function and operational performance? Would you have samples tested externally? Should this have already been done if they are offering a product to market? Etc, Etc

Please, any advice massively appreciated!

 

[arunmrao]

With the best of intent,China made power tools fail miserably in service. They can not match a Bosch,Black & Dekker or Hitachi to name a few leading ones. I have used them in my facility and results have been poor. Certifications for a China made product mean nothing.

It is best advised you get a first hand knowledge about the products,unless you are stone walled. Also look at the product liability clause in your country,if the part breaks and splinters cause damage or an electrical shock is experienced.

 

[stanweld]

In addition to the recommendations of arunmrao, I agree with your proposal to have one or more of the items tested by a third party. The massive obstruction from the supplier and your Buyer is reason enough to call into question the performance of these items.

 

[CoryPad]

What is normally done to assess function? Functional testing, obviously. Large corporations employ their own people, equipment and techniques for this purpose. Smaller ones contract with a third party. You should do this too.

 

[eyec]

correct me if i am wrong, but doesn't the CE certification include the testing of a product?

 

[teemsta]

Thankyou all for your replies!

This has confirmed really what I thought at first, that these products need to be tested and verified externally.

It has since transpired that the supplier is happy to do this on orders on and above a certain value, so for existing bulk buys we will be ok.

The problem remains however on sample orders where the value is low, where the supplier has stated he will not accept the order if we stipulate testing! The answer, find a new supplier!

 

[weldtek]

It's disturbing to me that even 'Brand' name tools are being manufactured in China. Next time you're in one of the big box stores take a close look at the packaging on the high end tools. I'll bet you find that many are made in China.
I go out of my way and am willing to pay more for American made products, but, it's getting more and more difficult.

 

[stanweld]

teemsta,
Because it is a small sample order, your company should verify adequacy of the equipment, either in house or through a third party, when large purchases are considered based on feed back from the small sample order.