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When a bulk rubber duck order arrives damaged, the first step is to document the defect before you file a claim, because the photos and the inspection are what decide whether the supplier accepts it. A clear record turns a dispute into a process.
What counts as a defect
A defect is a unit that does not match the spec or the sample, not a mild variation. A cracked seam, a deformed body, a print that is off-register or peeling, or a wrong colour batch all count. A slight colour difference within an agreed tolerance does not. Confirm the agreed tolerance in the spec, because that is what separates a defect from an accepted variation.
How to document a claim
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Photograph | Shoot the batch and the defect close-up |
| Count | Record the number affected and the total |
| Sample | Set aside the damaged units |
| Notify | Message the supplier within the claim window |
Photograph the whole carton, the packing and the close-up of the defect. Count the affected units and the total. Set the damaged stock aside so it can be inspected. Notify the supplier within the claim window, because a late notice can void the claim.
An inspection before shipment is the cheaper fix than a claim after it. A pre-shipment check catches a bad batch at the factory, which is why many buyers build it into the order.
See the US Federal Trade Commission on buyer and seller rules for the context behind a commercial claim.
OEM: building QC into a duck order
| Commercial term | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Inspection | AQL 2.5 |
| Claim window | 7-14 days after receipt |
| Sample to approval | 5-7 days |
| Bulk | 20-30 days |
Confirm the AQL level and the claim window before you order, and agree a tolerance you can verify. Exact AQL level and claim terms: 〔待工厂确认〕.
If you want to build QC into a duck order, see our rubber duck range so the spec and the tolerance are agreed up front.
FAQ about defective rubber ducks
What counts as a defective duck?
A unit that does not match the spec or the sample: a cracked seam, a deformed body, an off-register print or a wrong colour batch. A variation within the agreed tolerance is not a defect.
How do I file a claim?
Photograph the batch and the defect, count the affected units, set them aside and notify the supplier within the claim window. A late notice can void the claim.
What is a claim window?
The period after receipt during which you can raise a defect, often 7-14 days. Confirm it in the order so the supplier accepts the timing.
How do I avoid a bad batch?
Build a pre-shipment inspection into the order. An AQL inspection at the factory catches a bad batch before it ships, which is cheaper than a claim after.
Related reading: Rubber Ducks Amazon FBA Guide: Prep, Labeling and Lead-Time Math
