PSI vs DPI: Which Inspection Type Do You Need?

As an Amazon seller, choosing the right inspection type is crucial for protecting your business. This comprehensive comparison of Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) and During Production Inspection (DPI) will help you make the right decision for your specific situation.

Quick Comparison: PSI vs DPI

Factor	PSI (Pre-Shipment Inspection)	DPI (During Production Inspection)
Timing	After production is complete, before shipment	During production (typically 20-30% complete)
Purpose	Final quality check before products leave factory	Early detection of quality issues during manufacturing
Cost	$169-$300/man-day	$169-$300/man-day
Best For	Every shipment, especially routine orders	Large orders, new products, problematic suppliers
Issue Detection	Catches defects before shipment	Prevents defects from occurring
Corrective Action	Reject shipment or negotiate discount	Fix issues before production continues

What is Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)?

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) is conducted after production is complete but before products are shipped. This is the most common type of inspection for Amazon sellers and serves as your final quality gate.

When PSI is Conducted

• After 100% of production is complete
• Before products are packed for shipment
• Typically 1-2 days before container loading

What PSI Checks

• Product quality and functionality
• Quantity verification
• Packaging and labeling compliance
• Visual defects and cosmetic issues
• Dimensional measurements
• Color and material verification
• Amazon FBA compliance

Advantages of PSI

• Final Quality Gate: Last chance to catch defects before products reach customers
• Cost-Effective: Most affordable inspection option
• Quick Results: Reports delivered within 24 hours
• Standard Practice: Most suppliers are familiar with PSI
• Flexible: Can be scheduled quickly

Limitations of PSI

• Late Detection: Issues found after production is complete
• Limited Corrective Action: May require rework or rejection
• No Process Control: Doesn't monitor production process

What is During Production Inspection (DPI)?

During Production Inspection (DPI) occurs during the manufacturing process, typically when 20-30% of production is complete. This allows for early detection and correction of quality issues.

When DPI is Conducted

• During active production
• Typically when 20-30% of order is complete
• Before production is finished

What DPI Checks

• Early production samples
• Production process quality
• Raw material quality
• Assembly process monitoring
• Workmanship standards
• Production line efficiency

Advantages of DPI

• Early Detection: Catches issues before they become widespread
• Preventive Action: Allows corrections before production continues
• Cost Savings: Prevents production of defective goods
• Process Improvement: Identifies production process issues
• Supplier Education: Helps suppliers improve quality systems

Limitations of DPI

• Higher Cost: May require multiple inspections for large orders
• Timing Critical: Must be scheduled at the right production stage
• Not Final Check: Still need PSI for final verification

When to Use PSI

Use Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) when:

• You have an established relationship with a trusted supplier
• You're ordering products you've sourced before
• Order quantity is standard (not unusually large)
• You need a final quality check before shipment
• Budget is a primary concern
• You want the most cost-effective inspection option

When to Use DPI

Use During Production Inspection (DPI) when:

• You're working with a new supplier
• You've had quality issues with this supplier before
• Order quantity is very large (10,000+ units)
• Product is new or complex
• Production timeline is tight
• You want to prevent issues rather than catch them

Can You Use Both PSI and DPI?

Yes! Many Amazon sellers use both DPI and PSI for maximum protection:

• DPI First: Catch issues early during production
• PSI Second: Final verification before shipment
• Best Practice: Use DPI for high-risk orders, PSI for all orders

This combination provides the most comprehensive quality control, especially for high-value orders or new suppliers.

Cost Comparison

Both PSI and DPI typically cost the same:

• Standard Rate: $200-$250/man-day
• CloudSpect Rate: Starting at $169/man-day
• Factors Affecting Cost:
  • Order quantity (larger orders may need multiple inspectors)
  • Product complexity
  • Inspection location
  • Report delivery time

Note: Using both DPI and PSI will cost approximately 2x a single inspection, but can save you from costly defects and returns.

Real-World Examples

Example 1: When PSI is Sufficient

Situation: You're ordering 1,000 units of a product you've sourced 5 times before from a trusted supplier.

Recommendation: PSI only. Since you have an established relationship and the product is familiar, PSI provides sufficient protection at the lowest cost.

Example 2: When DPI is Recommended

Situation: You're ordering 50,000 units of a new product from a supplier you've never worked with before.

Recommendation: DPI + PSI. Use DPI to catch issues early, then PSI for final verification. This combination protects your large investment.

Example 3: When Both Are Essential

Situation: You've had quality issues with a supplier in the past, and you're placing a large order for a complex product.

Recommendation: DPI + PSI. DPI helps prevent issues from recurring, while PSI ensures final quality before shipment.

Conclusion

Both PSI and DPI are valuable quality control tools, but they serve different purposes:

• PSI is your standard, cost-effective final quality check
• DPI is your early warning system for high-risk situations
• Both Together provide maximum protection for critical orders

For most Amazon sellers, PSI for every shipment is the standard practice. Add DPI for new suppliers, large orders, or products with a history of quality issues.

CloudSpect offers both PSI and DPI services starting at $169/man-day with 24-hour report delivery. Get a free quote and let our experts help you choose the right inspection strategy for your business.