The below is verbiage we recommend sending to all vendors/factories which we will be engaging for the first time. You may modify this to fit your particular situation, or use it as is. In any case, you must send an introduction to the factory/vendor with InTouch in copy in order for us to get started.
This message is to let you know that we will be working with 3rd party QC firm InTouch Services to perform auditing and/or product inspection and testing services in China on our behalf. This process will allow us both to rest assured that the product quality meets our standards and will help us ensure you as our long-term partner. There are some things which you should be aware of in regard to these QC services:
- InTouch has a set of booking rules which they will send to your shortly. We require that you adhere to these rules. Late/Rush bookings and cancellations, and bookings on weekends/holidays may incur extra charges which will in all cases be billed back to you.
- A representative from InTouch will be contacting you within the next 48 hours to follow-up on the above points. Additionally, they will require that you sign their Code of Ethics which will help us maintain the highest level of integrity throughout the QA process. Please work closely with the InTouch team to ensure a smooth quality control assurance process.
Applicable to Product Inspections, Production Monitoring and Other Services:
- We will pay the costs of all 1st inspections. However, if due to your unpreparedness or poor product quality the inspection results in a FAIL rating, all re-inspection costs will be billed back to you. For more information on the QC standards by which the product will be inspected please feel free to contact either InTouch or myself.
- All goods should be 100% completed and packed in order for inspection. In certain cases you may request an exception to this rule. In such cases please contact me directly for approval.
- Generally, InTouch will issue an official SRN (Service Result Notification) within 6 hours of the completion of the service. We expect to review the findings presented on this SRN prior to your shipment of any goods in question. Should you require advance notification from us related to how you may proceed based on a PASS, PENDING, or FAIL inspection rating, please contact us at least 3 working days prior to the inspection with this request.
Applicable to Supplier Reviews, Factory Audits, and any service that requires factory access:
- InTouch will be performing a service on our behalf that requires they have significant access to your facility, including the production, design, and storage areas that are related to the product we may be contracting you to produce. Please provide InTouch auditors access to these areas, provide them all necessary information, and allow them to photograph all related facilities. If you have any issue with this, please advise us ASAP, and at least 3 days prior to this service being performed at your facility.
