Sourcing

Quality control (QC)

RETAILBOSS ReferenceUpdated November 2, 2026

Quality control is the inspection and checking of products or processes against defined requirements.

How it works in retail

Retail sourcing may include checks on materials, measurements, workmanship, packaging and finished goods. The inspection plan determines what is checked and when.

A retail example

A buyer checks a sample delivery against agreed garment measurements and construction requirements before accepting the shipment.

What to keep in mind

Inspection does not guarantee every item is defect-free, especially when sampling is used. Define acceptance criteria and a process for handling nonconforming goods.

Examples are illustrative. Terminology and measurement conventions can vary by business and market.

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