Guide
Most inspection companies in China price a pre-shipment inspection per inspector-day: one inspector at the factory for one working day, including the report. At MSC the rate is $240 per inspector-day, all inclusive anywhere in mainland China, with a photo report within 24 hours. The total you pay also depends on the fees around the day rate, the number of days the job needs, and what happens if the lot fails.
| Pricing model | How it works | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Per inspector-day | A fixed rate for one inspector on site for one working day, with the report. | Pre-production, during-production and pre-shipment inspections, factory audits, container loading supervision. |
| Per job or per lot | A fixed price agreed for a defined scope. | Repeat orders with a stable scope, laboratory tests. |
| Per unit | A price per piece checked or per lot sorted, quoted once the specifications and defect rate are known. | 100% inspection and sorting, for example when a lot has failed a sample inspection. |
Two quotes with the same day rate can end up at very different totals. Ask each provider these questions before you book:
The number of days depends on the order size, the number of models or references, the AQL sample size, and the checks you ask for. Visual and packing checks on a single reference are quicker than measuring several critical dimensions on every sample piece. At MSC an inspection that takes one inspector one day costs $240, and one that takes two inspector-days costs $480. We confirm the number of days in writing before the inspection is booked.
A sample inspection costs less and tells you whether the lot meets your AQL limits. Defects outside the sample can still ship. When a lot fails, or when a single defective part would stop your customer's assembly line, checking every unit in a workshop costs more upfront and avoids the cost of a rejected shipment, returns or a second trip. See how 100% inspection and sorting works.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Factory audit | $240 per inspector-day |
| Pre-production, during-production and pre-shipment inspection | $240 per inspector-day |
| Container loading supervision | $240 per inspector-day |
| 100% inspection, sorting and repackaging | Quoted per unit or per lot, in writing |
| Sample management for long-term accounts | Quoted per sample run |
The day rate includes travel anywhere in mainland China and has no weekend surcharge. Reports are written in English and sent within 24 hours. You can discuss them with our team in English or French.
Tell us what you need. We typically reply within one business day.
