# Quality Control Processes

Quality control is essential for maintaining buyer trust and reducing returns.

## Quality Control Standards

### Industry Standards:
- **AQL (Acceptable Quality Level)**: Statistical sampling method
- **ISO 9001**: Quality management systems
- **Six Sigma**: Defect reduction methodology
- **Total Quality Management (TQM)**: Organization-wide approach

### Setting Your AQL:

| AQL Level | Defects Allowed | Use Case |
|-----------|-----------------|----------|
| 1.0 | 1% | High-quality consumer goods |
| 2.5 | 2.5% | Standard quality |
| 4.0 | 4% | Cost-sensitive products |

## QC Checkpoints

### Incoming Material Inspection:
- Verify materials match specifications
- Check for defects or damage
- Test material properties
- Reject substandard materials

### In-Process Inspection:
- Check work at each production stage
- Verify dimensions and tolerances
- Test functionality
- Document findings

### Final Inspection:
- Comprehensive product check
- Packaging verification
- Documentation review
- Random sampling

## QC Documentation

### Inspection Reports Should Include:
- Order/PO number
- Inspection date
- Inspector name
- Sample size inspected
- Defects found (type and quantity)
- Pass/fail determination
- Photos of issues (if any)
- Corrective actions taken

### Defect Classification:

| Severity | Description | Action |
|----------|-------------|--------|
| Critical | Safety issue, unusable | 100% inspection, reject lot |
| Major | Significant defect | Rework or reject |
| Minor | Small cosmetic issue | May be acceptable |

## Common QC Tests

### Visual Inspection:
- Surface defects
- Color consistency
- Alignment
- Labeling accuracy

### Dimensional Checks:
- Measure critical dimensions
- Verify tolerances
- Check weight

### Functional Testing:
- Test product operation
- Check durability
- Verify safety features

### Packaging Tests:
- Drop tests
- Compression tests
- Seal integrity
- Label accuracy

## Corrective Actions

When defects are found:
1. **Stop production** if systemic issue
2. **Identify root cause**
3. **Implement immediate fix**
4. **Retrain staff** if needed
5. **Update procedures** to prevent recurrence
6. **Rework or scrap** defective items

## Quality Certifications

Maintain and display:
- ISO certifications
- Industry-specific certifications
- Third-party audit results
- Test reports
- Quality awards

## Continuous Improvement

Regularly review and improve:
- Defect rates
- Customer complaints
- Return reasons
- Inspector feedback
- Process efficiency

## Communicating Quality to Buyers

- Share QC processes on your profile
- Provide inspection reports
- Offer third-party inspection
- Show defect rate trends
- Highlight certifications
- Share customer testimonials