Quality & Craft
What Pre-Shipment Photo Reports Actually Prove to a Buyer
A photo report proves the goods existed, in that condition, on that date. What it cannot show, what belongs in the set, and what to check first.
A photo report is the cheapest evidence you get before a container ships. It is also the easiest thing to over-read.
What the Photos Prove
A photo report proves the goods existed, in that quantity and finish, on that date. Every frame carries a card with the order number, the SKU and the date. Nothing can be lifted from another shipment.
It also proves the unit in the frame met the standard that day. It was measured against a tape, weighed on a scale and graded against your approved sample.
What They Do Not Prove
They do not prove the whole lot matches. Ten frames from one carton say nothing about carton 40.
They do not give you figures. Close-ups hide scale, and a tight shot of a seam can make a loose stitch look fine.
They do not settle colour. Screens differ, so two units several shades apart can look identical on your laptop.
What Belongs in the Set
Six frames cover a woven basket order:
- the carton exterior and the shipping mark
- the carton opened, with the count visible
- the unit measured against a tape
- the unit on a scale
- the seam and the handle joint, close up
- any defect, with how it was resolved
If one is missing, ask before the container is sealed. That costs a day now. It costs a claim later.
Sampling takes 7–10 days after design confirmation, and the sealed sample is what the photos are graded against. → start a custom project
Three Places to Look First
The date card. Is the date before the ship date, or was the card reused from the last order?
The tape. Look for the number, not the basket. A photo with no visible reading is not a measurement.
The defect shots. A report with no defects is worth a question. Every run has units held back. What matters is whether they were tagged, reworked and photographed.
When to Bring In a Third Party
Most orders do not need one. Bring one in when the order is large, the product is hard to rework, and your own team cannot attend.
An inspector on site sees what we see. The difference is who signs the report. If your buyer wants an independent signature, appoint the company early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a photo report with every order?
Yes. It reaches you within 24 hours of the inspection, before dispatch.
Can I ask for a different angle or a specific check?
Yes. Tell us before production starts and we will add it to the checklist.
Is a photo report the same as a third-party inspection?
No. Ours is done by the team handling the order. A third-party report is signed by a company you appoint.
Related products
The full step-by-step is in our walkthrough of a pre-shipment inspection. The two numbers behind it are in why every basket is measured, weighed and inspected. More on ordering and shipping is on our FAQ page.
