The supplier and the recipient decide together if an item will be sent for quality assurance, but we recommend that all new or changed items are sent to Validoo Q-lab.
Quality assurance of variants
We recommend that items that are variants of another item, for example a new flavour, are sent for quality assurance. Remember that barcodes, item names, price comparison measurements and other information on the shelf-edge label and receipt are different between variants.
Preferably always quality assure the final package
We recommend that you always send the final version of the package for quality assurance. There are risks with verifying a prototype (or so-called dummy package):
- The final version of the item can differ more than the tolerances, even though the prototype is approved. Consequently, an item that is not quality assured is put on the market.
- The shelf-edge/till-roll text, item name or brand name might be missing on the prototype, and Validoo Q-lab can't perform a complete quality assurance.
Quality assurance of prototypes and variants
If a supplier can’t produce a final version of the item in time for the quality assurance, a prototype or a variant may be the only possible package that can be sent to Validoo Q-lab. If this is the case, contact your trading partner to agree if you should send a prototype or variant for quality assurance. To increase your chances for an approved quality assurance, remember:
Send a package that is measurable and for which the dimensions and weight are within tolerances.- Send all levels of the trade item hierarchy for quality assurance.
- Enclose print masters or a copy. The bar code, GTIN, brand name, item name, markings and storage instructions must be on the print master. Note that the print master may be submitted on an empty package.
- Mark the prototype or variant clearly with the GTIN and GLN so that the item and the TID can be matched correctly.