Pre-Send Quality Check
Before sending a quote, presentation, order confirmation, or client update, perform a final check.
The 10-Point Check
- ☐ Correct client
- ☐ Correct product
- ☐ Correct quantity
- ☐ Correct pricing
- ☐ Correct decoration
- ☐ Correct artwork
- ☐ Correct shipping address
- ☐ Correct in-hands date
- ☐ Correct supplier/inventory information
- ☐ No missing approvals or requirements
Quick Decision Guide
-
Client asks for a product
-
Do I know the quantity, budget, branding, and deadline?
→ No → Ask clarifying questions
→ Yes → Start sourcing
Product is available
Can it arrive by the required date?
→ Yes → Continue
→ No → Find alternatives
Product is within budget
- Does it meet the branding and quality requirements?
→ Yes → Present
→ No → Find alternatives
Client approves
Is artwork ready?
→ No → Request artwork
→ Yes → Submit for proof
Proof is received
Has the client approved it?
→ No → Follow up
→ Yes → Proceed to production
Supplier reports a delay
Will the in-hands date be affected?
→ No → Monitor
→ Yes → Assess alternatives and escalate as needed
Golden Rules
- Rule 1
Never guess when you can verify.
Rule 2
Inventory is not guaranteed until it has been properly confirmed.
Rule 3
The cheapest product is not always the right product.
Rule 4
The in-hands date drives the timeline.
Rule 5
Never send artwork into production without the required approval.
Rule 6
Document important changes and approvals.
Rule 7
Communicate risks early rather than waiting for a problem to become urgent.
Rule 8
When presenting alternatives, explain why each option meets the client's requirements.
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