Inspecting Custom Poker Chips on Delivery: QC Checklist Before Your First Game
Manufacturing context: how custom poker chips are made. Approval stage: custom poker chip proof approval.
Why delivery inspection matters
You already signed a digital proof weeks ago. Physical sets can still arrive with:
| Issue type | Typical cause |
|---|---|
| Count short | Carton mix-up at packing |
| Transit crush | Case corner hit, loose box |
| Edge nick | Vibration in freight |
| Misprint outlier | Single press misfire — rare |
| Wrong sleeve | Human packing error on multi-denom orders |
Finding problems after a greasy home game makes replacement slower. Poker Foundry QA runs before export — your job is last-mile confirmation.
Before you open the box
- Photograph sealed cartons — labels, corner damage
- Check outer weight against shipping note if provided
- Open indoors — dry table, good light
- Keep packing materials until sign-off
If the case is dented but sealed, note it before lid open — helps freight claims.
Delivery inspection checklist
1. Count by denomination
Match each colour to your order summary:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| A | List expected qty per denomination from quote |
| B | Count one colour fully (or weigh — see below) |
| C | Repeat per colour |
| D | Sum total — compare to invoice |
Weighing shortcut: Count 20 chips of one denomination → weigh → divide bulk weight by per-chip average. Repeat per colour. Faster for 500+ sets.
2. Spot-check artwork (10–20 chips per colour)
| Check | Clay (inlay) | Ceramic (direct print) |
|---|---|---|
| Centre logo | Sharp, centred | Bold, centred |
| Ring text | Readable, not clipped | Readable, not clipped |
| Denomination | Matches proof | Matches proof |
| Colour | Consistent inlay tone | Consistent print density |
Rotate chips face up and edge on — clay vs ceramic construction differs.
3. Edge and face condition
| Defect | Severity |
|---|---|
| Hairline edge nick | Common — note, usually playable |
| Lifted inlay corner (clay) | Medium — photo, contact if widespread |
| Crack through body | High — set aside, document |
| Wrong value on colour | High — stop, photograph stack |
4. Case and accessories
- Foam / felt intact, no mould smell from damp transit
- Keys or latches work on metal cases
- Silica or desiccant present if shipped humid season
5. Document
| Item | Capture |
|---|---|
| Short count | Photo of partial stack + scale reading |
| Misprint | Macro of chip face beside proof PDF |
| Damage | Case corner + affected chips |
Email contact@pokerfoundry.net with order reference — clear photos beat long essays.
Clay vs ceramic: what “good” looks like
| Line | Factory-norm variance |
|---|---|
| Clay | Slight inlay edge texture; bevel uniform; mould body and edge spots are standard — you customised label only |
| Ceramic | Flat edge; stock body colour under print; <1,000 orders do not get custom rim colours |
Do not reject a clay chip for non-custom edge spots you saw on the approved proof — edge spots guide.
Count vs your game plan
Cross-check totals against hosting math:
| Your event | Sanity check |
|---|---|
| 10-player tournament | ~900–1,100 chips with bank — sizing guide |
| Cash home game | Enough $1 / $5 / $25 / $100 for 50–75 per player + bank |
| Club rotation | Reorder buffer — volume pricing |
A short stack of 100s discovered on delivery night is worse than a cosmetic nick.
Common inspection mistakes
| Mistake | Why it hurts | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Playing first, counting later | Wear obscures defects | Count before shuffle |
| Mixing denominations during check | Loses shortage proof | One tray per colour |
| Expecting Paulson-perfect edges | Custom 10g composite ≠ vintage clay | Judge against approved proof |
| Discarding packing | Weak freight claim | Keep box 7 days |
| Wet wipe before photo | Smears evidence | Dry inspect, clean later — care guide |
After inspection passes
- Wipe dry if shipping dust present
- Tray by denomination for first deal
- Store in case — storage guide
- Schedule first game — blind structure or cash denominations
If you are a group buyer, send photos to the chat before the first buy-in — group buy guide.
Poker Foundry QA (what happened before delivery)
Orders pass factory inspection and HQ spot-check after freight — see sourcing standards. Delivery inspection is your confirmation that your set matches your signed proof and survived the last mile.
Next steps
- Open cartons indoors, photo exterior
- Count or weigh every denomination
- Spot-check print vs proof PDF
- Report shortages within 48 hours
Ordering your first set? Get an instant quote — then approve proofs carefully before manufacturing starts.