Quality Checklist for Buying High-Heel Sandals from Overseas Factories

Brands or retailers that procure high-heel sandals from overseas manufacturers often have some doubts when placing their first orders. These doubts concern the quality of sandals, as their entire reputation depends on it. Anything that goes wrong with the quality could damage their brand image in the entire market. So, what they do is follow a quality control checklist to inspect the quality. These are the steps they take, and you can do the same if you are about to procure high-heel sandals from an overseas manufacturer.

Stitching, Cutting, and Adhesive Quality

Inspect the stitching quality by carefully analyzing the alignment of threads. How they follow the borderline plays a very essential role in it. The overall stitching quality and how each piece is sewn in it must be inspected. Make sure there is no inconsistency in stitching because lots of errors take place in production.

Then comes the cutting quality of the sandal’s pieces and how they are attached to each other. Inspect the glue’s strength and look at the loopholes or spaces where the adhesive has not reached. That includes poor adhesive layers that leave marks at the borderline of sandals.

Metal Detection of Broken Needle

To make sure there is no broken needle in the sandals, you need to use a metal detector. Also, advanced methods may include X-ray scanners for the best results. It will prevent any needle from remaining stuck in the sandals.

Pair Symmetry

Then you will need to inspect the pair’s symmetry in terms of size, shape, color, and overall structure. It will be a physical inspection because the weight will also be part of it. Both units of a pair of sandals must be exactly the same in every feature.

Size Consistency

The sizes must be consistent with each other in every batch. That inspection is of individual pairs and also the whole stock. Every carton must have a complete pair with size consistency. Small, medium, and large sizes are arranged in order for correct stocking. You need to make sure overseas factories meet your requirements.

Sole and Straps Strength

Then another essential part of the inspection comes where sandals’ soles are inspected. How they are attached and how strong they are examined. These factors show the strength of the insole, outsole, and midsole together. Even if there are just insoles and outsoles, they must be strong enough to bear a pressure test.

It includes how the straps are attached to the sole. Inspect their strength in terms of pressure and stretchability. Besides, look at how the sandals sit because they should sit flat. Their base must be completely aligned from the front to the back. Also, the straps and soles must not get wrinkles after a few wears.

Fitting and Grip Inspection

Sandals must fit the feet because that’s what they are for. Not very tight, but they should comfortably fit the feet. The grip must be accurate for the selected size. Each size has to meet the standard feet’s design. Moreover, different regions of different sizing formats. You will need to inspect the fitting and grip physically. A few samples will help you ensure the fitting and grip are up to your requirements.

Quality Inspection Tests

Then there are some inspection tests that help customers like you inspect the sandals’ quality. These tests will help you thoroughly check every aspect of sandals for the best satisfaction in bulk purchase. Since it is about overseas factories, you will have to follow the steps below.

Strength and Edges Test

The first is a strength test that includes the overall strength of a pair of sandals. Their straps, fasteners, and soles will need thorough inspection. Also, it includes the carton drop test. It will help you analyze the quality of sandals’ strength in logistics challenges.

The edges of straps sometimes leave marks on the feet, and some cause bruises. The reason behind that is the poor cutting and filing method used in it. If the rubber or leather straps have sharp edges, they will probably cause allergic reactions or bruises on the feet.

Colorfastness and Rub Test

Another test that helps buyers inspect the quality of sandals is the colorfastness test. It requires specific tools and fabrics to inspect the color transferring from the sandals to the tool or fabric. It also requires some specific chemicals or elements to ensure the sandals do not shed their colors. This test also helps check the abrasion resistance of sandals.

Slip Test

The grip of the sole is essential against the risk of slipping. You have to look at the traction features under the sole. The quality of the rubber or foam contributes to the grip of the sandal. This test will help you ensure all the sandals have a good grip on the ground through random samples.

Heel Fatigue Test

This test will help you inspect the fatigue users get in their heels after walking for a few minutes. The sole’s thickness and curve contribute to its comfort. If the sole is very hard, it will cause lots of stress on the heel. Then the feet will get tired too soon. The quality of the rubber or foam will play a major part in the heel fatigue test.

Odor Test

The kind of rubber or leather used in the production leaves an odor until users start wearing them. Once they start to wear them, the odor starts going away. However, some odors are very strong, mostly coming from the rubber sole. That odor could be irritating if it doesn’t go away soon. The kind of material used in the production and its quality play a primary role in it. You will have to perform odor and moisture tests. Make sure the moisture and odor are not causing any irritation.

Functioning Test

Then comes the functionality test, because a sandal needs to perform well in terms of grip, fit, and smoothness on the inside. Also, it has to maintain traction on the ground. That shows the performance of fasteners, zippers, straps, and any other accessories used in sandals. You will have to try a few samples to assess the functionality of the entire stock of sandals.

Tape Test

Then comes the tape test, which helps you to inspect the strength of labels and prints. To make sure they are well printed on the sandals, you will need masking tape. Apply it, press it properly, and then abruptly remove it. If the color, logo, design, and whatever is printed on the sandal stays the same, that’ll be good.

Conclusion

These are the key steps you need to take for the quality control process. They will help you inspect the quality of high-heel sandals you procure from overseas factories. Then you can find the strength, colorfastness, grip, comfort level, and everything end users want. It will help you get the desired quality of sandals from the overseas manufacturer without any difficulty.