Pricing comparison for China QC
$169/man-day vs typical TIC pricing: what importers actually pay for.
CloudSpects publishes a clear starting rate for China PSI, DPI, audits, and loading checks. Global TIC quotes can be the right tool for enterprise programs — this page shows when the $169 model wins for Amazon FBA and small-to-mid importers.
Direct answer
If you need an on-site China inspection with photos, AQL sampling, and an English report in about 24 hours, a transparent $169/man-day model is usually easier to budget than opaque enterprise TIC quotes. If you need labs, certificates, multi-country supplier programs, or regulated food/life-science scopes, a larger TIC firm may still be the better fit — and worth the higher fee.
What $169 typically covers
On-site sampling, workmanship checks, quantity verification, and defect logging for a standard man-day.
Capability and process review suited to importer risk checks, not a full multi-week CSR certification project.
Carton count, shipping marks, seal, and loading checks before the container moves.
Photo-backed findings typically delivered in about 24 hours after the visit.
Full details live on pricing.html. Compare also QIMA alternative positioning.
Where typical TIC quotes diverge
- Account setup, minimum order values, or project management fees.
- Travel and remote-area surcharges that appear after the first quote.
- Bundled lab testing or certification the buyer did not ask for.
- Enterprise SLAs designed for multi-country vendor lists.
None of those extras are “bad.” They are simply a different product. CloudSpects is narrower: China field inspection for ecommerce and importer workflows.
Budget examples for FBA sellers
Often 1× PSI man-day before shipment. Add label/packaging emphasis for Amazon inbound.
1× DPI mid-run + 1× PSI before loading. See PSI vs DPI.
PSI plus loading supervision if carton count and seal risk are high.
Use the FBA inbound reject checklist before the next booking.