Returns inspection
Apparel returns inspection and re-listing
Every returned item has an evidenced next step
135+ types of apparel anomalies with A, B+, B- and C routing
Inspection record
One record connects inspection with next-step handling.
For apparel and footwear e-commerce brands and operators needing standardised return grading and re-listing. The QC team works to AQL 1.0–6.5 and applies brand-approved routing.
Record fields and decision rules are confirmed with each brand.
Routing
Four grades, clearly compared
Four-grade inspection exampleA, B+, B- and C illustrate inspection routing; decision criteria and handling follow the customer-approved standard.
These are handling examples; criteria and routing follow the brand-approved standard.
Meets the brand-approved saleable-item rule
Typical issueIntact packaging · no crease · complete tags · no visible damage
Next stepEnter saleable inventory with brand approval
Included in the 24 hours workflowA minor issue allowed by the brand rule needs finishing or confirmation
Typical issueMinor crease · light packaging wear · minor wrinkling
Next stepFinish and re-list or await confirmation
Included in the 24 hours workflowA confirmed issue can enter the repair workflow under brand rules
Typical issueOpen seam · stitch repair · stain cleaning · missing accessory · print or embroidery issue
Included in the 24 hours workflowDoes not meet current saleable or repair rules and awaits brand direction
Typical issueSerious damage · structural damage · severe staining · odour that cannot be removed
Next stepIsolate, return or use another handling route confirmed by the brand
Notify as agreedInspection priorities
Apparel and footwear are checked against different priorities.
Apparel inspection
Apparel inspectionCheck tags, stitching, damage, staining, colour change and accessories; compare samples and use agreed wash, colour-fastness or shrinkage checks.
Footwear inspection
Footwear inspectionCheck paired sizing, colour variation, excess adhesive, separation and staining. Footwear repair can include cleaning, bonding and odour treatment; the reported repair success rate is 90%.
Rules and decisions
AQL inspection rulesThe QC team works to AQL 1.0–6.5. The AQL level, sample size, issue categories, decision method and report format are confirmed for product value, channel and customer standards.
Reviewable evidence
Keep the unpacking, inspection and decision record.
- Unpacking record
- Inspection photographs
- Decision result
Video evidence1080P unpacking monitoring records the process. Inspection actions can be traced and used as evidence for e-commerce returns disputes where agreed.
Repair routing and re-listingB- items may route to the nine-area repair workshop. After repair, WMS status is updated and the item is re-listed after re-inspection within the 24 hours workflow.
- 153,000,000 units
- Annual returns-inspection volumeCompany operating statistic
- 135+ types
- Recognisable issue typesSeven issue categories in scope
- 24 hours
- Inspection and re-listingOverall workflow
- AQL 1.0–6.5
- Inspection execution rangeQC team working with Guangdong Testing Institute
Frequently asked questions
Clarify the rules before standards are confirmed.
What does the AQL standard mean for returns inspection?
AQL, or Acceptable Quality Limit, is used for sampling inspection. The QC team works to AQL 1.0–6.5; the level, sample size, issue categories, decision method and report format are confirmed for product value, channel and customer standards.
How are items handled when inspection finds an issue?
A, B+, B- and C illustrate inspection routing. The applicable criteria and handling follow the customer-approved standard. Items requiring isolation are isolated, returned or otherwise handled as authorised by the brand.
How long does returns inspection take?
Returns handling covers receipt registration, unpacking, inspection, issue marking, repair routing and re-listing within the 24 hours workflow. Peak periods and large volumes require an agreed arrival plan, standard and resource arrangement.
Which issues can returns inspection identify?
The 135+ types cover stains; fabric appearance; stitching; buttons and accessories; printing and embroidery; tags and identifiers; and odour. The exact inspection scope follows the agreed project rules.
Can XINYIYUAN inspect new goods as well as returns?
Yes. New goods may use full or sample inbound inspection, wash, colour-fastness, shrinkage and sample-comparison services to the agreed project scope. The annual new-goods inspection volume is 117,000,000 units; acceptance rules and timing are confirmed separately.
Discuss a plan
Clarify returned itemsand decision rules.
Prepare item types, return volume and brand decision rules.
Discuss a returns-inspection plan