Quality

Before reporting a quality issue, we recommend reviewing our guide on how to run a quality inspection.

To report an issue, log in to your Lumi account, and from the Orders view, click on the order that has a quality issue.

At the top right of the order item page, click the blue button to "Report quality issue." Your supplier will reach out to you with the next steps.

Per the default order terms between you and your supplier, quality issues must be reported within 14 days of a shipment’s delivery to be eligible for remake or refund.

Acceptable Quality Limit (AQL) is a quality control procedure used both for manufacturing and receiving goods, to ensure they meet the agreed upon quality standards. AQL uses a randomized sampling process, to statistically estimate the number of defective units in a production run. Learn how to perform an AQL quality inspection using our step-by-step guide.

The default AQL level set in Lumi is Special Inspection Level 4. This level is designed to pull an adequate number of samples to represent the overall quality of the production run while staying on schedule.

Each defective unit within a sampled batch is flagged as minor, major, or critical. Once the total number of each designation has been counted, the sampled batch and larger production run is given a pass or fail. Per AQL 2.5 Inspection Level S4, these are the maximum defects permitted in a sample batch before the batch (and in turn, the larger production) goes from pass to fail.

Most 3PLs are familiar with AQL inspections. If you're a Lumi member and you'd like your 3PL to perform an inspection, you can share our step-by-step guide.

Get photos from your 3PL of any defects and compare them to the inspection criteria for your product. You can search directly for quality standards by product, or find them by browsing the Lumi Catalog.

We consistently review and update the standardized quality policies. You can always create your own policy for suppliers you work with.

If you need help with creating a policy, contact your Lumi account manager.

AQL inspection levels are separated into two categories: general and special. 

General inspection levels (GI, GII, GIII) and special inspection levels (S1, S2, S3, S4) indicate the size of the inspected sample batch, which determines the number of defects allowed based on product-specific criteria and tolerances. Special inspection levels call for smaller sample sizes, with S4 being the most stringent of the four options. 

Lumi prescribes AQL 2.5 Inspection Level S4 because it's a happy medium for the quality control needs of packaging. This level allows for an adequate number of samples to be inspected without delaying the production schedule or the receiving process.  

Lumi quality standards set the expectations for buyers and suppliers. Each product's quality policy lists tolerances that define the magnitude of a defect, i.e. how far above or below the tolerances a defect is. Defects can be identified as minor, major, or critical. The tolerances are primarily determined by the limitations of each manufacturing process.

• Optimum: Acceptable range (non-defective)
• Minor: The defect is indiscernible, and does not detract from the overall appearance of the item or the representation of the company.
  
• Major: The defect is notable, but does not detract from the overall appearance of the item or the representation of the company.
• Critical: The defect is significant, and detracts from the overall appearance of the item or the representation of the company.

Each production run is inspected by the supplier using the AQL procedure. When receiving goods, we recommend that you (or your third party receiving the goods) perform the same procedure so that any defects you find are reported within the 14 day inspection period outlined in your Order Terms with the supplier.

Lumi recommends AQL 2.5 Inspection Level S4 as the standard level of quality inspection by all parties.

If you'd like to have a higher or lower level of inspection from your supplier, you can request your desired level of quality inspection during the quoting process.