Quality checks to agree before pet product production

Define the approved sample

The approved sample is the reference for the order. Record exactly which sample was approved, when, and what changed after approval. Keep a signed or photographed record. If the product has several colourways or sizes, approve each variant separately.

State which differences are acceptable and which are not. Minor colour variation between production batches is normal in many materials, but it should be discussed in advance rather than discovered at delivery.

Specify materials and construction

List the primary materials, hardware, coatings, threads and packaging components. Where relevant, include thickness, weight, finish and colour references. For textiles, confirm weave or fabric type, stitching expectations and hardware attachment methods.

Ask for the supplier’s material declarations and any available test reports. Keep the documents with the approved sample so future orders can be checked against the same standard.

Agree the inspection points

A simple inspection plan usually covers pre-production checks, an inline check during production and a final inspection before shipment. The pre-production check confirms materials and components. The inline check catches problems while they can still be corrected. The final check confirms quantity, workmanship, packaging and labelling.

Define the acceptance criteria and the sampling method. For example, agree how many units will be checked, what counts as a major defect, and what happens if the defect rate exceeds the agreed limit.

Check packaging as carefully as the product

Confirm carton dimensions, unit packaging, barcodes, warning text, country-of-origin marking and any retailer-specific requirements. Check that the packaging protects the product in the intended transit mode.

A packaging proof should be approved before mass printing. Small changes to dielines, colours or text can be difficult and costly to correct once packaging is in production.

Keep claims and documentation proportionate

Only make claims that can be supported. Product descriptions, packaging and marketing should distinguish between what is known, what is supplied by the manufacturer and what is still being verified.

Retain the approved sample, specification, inspection reports and correspondence for each order. Good records make repeat orders faster and make it easier to resolve any issue objectively.