Inspecting Custom Poker Chips on Delivery: QC Checklist Before Your First Game
The case arrives after months of waiting. Before you deal the first hand, run this delivery inspection on custom clay and ceramic chips - counts, artwork, edges, and what to photograph if something is wrong.
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. If freight wins the fight, see custom poker chips shipping damage and replacement for claims, photos, and what we replace vs normal print tolerance.
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; label artwork on stock body under print; custom body/rim with Full Chip Customisation |
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.