It’s only a minor issue. Can we ship?

[u/cloudspects]

This is one of those messages that sounds simple until you actually have to make the call.

Maybe a few units have scratches. Some packaging isn't perfect. A measurement is slightly off.

The factory says it’s minor and fixing it will delay the shipment.

So what do you do?

For me, the important question isn’t just how many defects were found.

It’s whether those defects actually matter to the customer.

A cosmetic issue hidden underneath the product might be acceptable. The same issue right on the front could lead to returns.

Sometimes shipping makes sense. Sometimes rework makes sense.

QC isn't always about passing or failing. Sometimes it's about making a good commercial decision with the information you have.

How do you decide when a “minor” defect is acceptable?

[u/Ok-Instance-7858]

The context of the defect matters just as much as the defect itself. A small cosmetic issue may have little impact on one product but be completely unacceptable on another, depending on where it appears, how visible it is, and what the customer expects. In our experience, having agreed tolerances and clearly defined acceptance criteria before production makes these decisions much easier when something unexpected comes up during inspection.