Approval becomes the reference
Inspect the product you specified.
Quality review connects the approved file and sample to the finished order. Our four checkpoints cover prepress, the press run, finished construction and packing; the product determines the checks at each stage.
Four checkpoints, with a purpose at each.
01
Prepress file review
Check the named revision before output: page sequence, trim and bleed, fonts, image resolution, output condition and production layers. A technically printable file can still contain a spelling or content error; the buyer approves content.
Reference: checked PDF and project template
02
On-press monitoring
Compare sample sheets to the approved color reference and inspect registration, coverage and consistency. Evaluate critical areas under the agreed conditions, especially where a coated and uncoated surface behave differently.
Reference: approved color target and press samples
03
Finished-product inspection
Review the assembled item, not only loose sheets. Check count and sequence, finished dimensions, binding or fold operation, surface condition and component fit. A box insert and the box itself need to be checked together.
Reference: approved construction and finished sample
04
Packing verification
Match the version, units per carton, carton count and gross weight to the packing list. Check protection for corners, surfaces and moving components before releasing the packed order.
Reference: packing specification and carton identity
Write down what approval actually covers.
A structural dummy cannot approve color, and a flat print proof cannot approve binding strength. Identify the reference for each feature before reviewing the finished lot.
| Feature | Reference or unit | What to record |
|---|---|---|
| Size and fit | Finished width × height in mm; project template | Named dimensions, permitted variation where agreed, and measurement positions |
| Color | Physical target, selected stock and viewing conditions | Critical areas, print route and any included film or coating; no assumed universal Delta E limit |
| Construction | Bound or assembled sample | Page/component count, sequence, opening, adhesion and fit-critical parts |
| Surface | Representative finished sample | Visible marks, rubbing, bubbles, foil coverage and registration-sensitive detail |
| Sampling plan | Lot size and agreed inspection plan, when required | Inspection level, sample size, defect categories and acceptance/rejection criteria |
If an AQL plan is required, specify it for the order. An AQL number alone is not a sample size and does not mean every unit has been inspected.
Choose the right sample referenceRecognize the cause, then choose the check.
| Problem | Possible cause | Check / response |
|---|---|---|
| Cracked fold | Fiber or printed surface stressed across the fold; unsuitable scoring or grain orientation | Score the selected stock and fold a printed sample; evaluate dark coverage at the crease |
| Lost gutter detail | Artwork placed in a binding area that does not open fully | Review a bound dummy with the important spread; move essential content away from the gutter |
| Weak foil detail | Fine design, rough substrate or an unsuitable transfer combination | Compare the actual foil and stock; simplify detail or adjust the approved effect artwork |
| Visible rubbing | Dark coverage and surface finish exposed to handling or movement | Rub a representative finished sample and specify separating or protective packing |
| Label lifting | Adhesive, surface or application conditions do not suit the use | Test on the intended container under application and service conditions |
Protect the likely damage, not just the carton.
| Product | Risk | Packing decision |
|---|---|---|
| Books and bound manuals | Bent corners, rubbed covers and moisture-related distortion | Stack orientation, corner/edge protection, separating layers and route-appropriate moisture measures |
| Cards and decks | Rubbed faces, mixed versions and incomplete sets | Deck identity, cards per deck, separating or wrapping method and carton labels |
| Presentation packaging | Crushed surfaces or contents moving inside the box | Insert fit, transport restraint and carton support; a magnetic closure alone is not transit protection |
| Mixed kits | Missing pieces or inconsistent set counts | Component checklist, complete-set counting and version-specific packing list |
Transport testing, if required, should reflect the packed product and distribution route. Shock, vibration and compression address different hazards; a selected test does not certify every possible shipment.
Report the issue so we can resolve the right part.
If there is a problem with your order, contact us with the order reference, photographs and affected quantity. We review the issue and arrange reprinting where needed.
Identify the affected version or carton and keep representative samples so the correction and replacement specification can be agreed.
- 01Send the order reference and identify the affected version, carton or component.
- 02Photograph the issue, packaging and a representative sample; state the affected quantity.
- 03Review the problem with our team, then agree the corrected specification and replacement arrangements.
Make the acceptance criteria part of your brief.
Tell us which features are critical: color, size, binding, surface finish, fit or packing. We connect those requirements to sample approval and the production checks.