STR provides retailers with the most comprehensive quality assurance programs in the industry. Our programs are designed to provide clients with more than just “data.”
STR's turn-key quality programs, which are comprised of testing and quality assurance, auditing, and supply chain risk assessments, offer in-depth and valuable information. Our reports, interpretation of results, and expert guidance help retailers better manage their supplier base, ensure product safety, and continuously improve product quality.
With broad international expertise, STR can evaluate a retailer’s entire quality system from a macro perspective. Our technical team is adept at identifying specific and isolated problems and providing immediate solutions.
STR’s full-service programs allow retailers to:
- Manage and improve supplier product quality.
- Evaluate prospective manufacturing partners.
- Confidently deal with suppliers offering better pricing or other services.
- Reduce product liability risk.
- Improve customer satisfaction.
- Reduce recalls/withdrawals and customer complaints.
- Cost-effectively manage quality throughout their chain.
Whether your retail chain works directly with factories and sub-contractors or has an indirect import program, STR can develop a quality assurance program to meet your needs. Our comprehensive retailer quality programs include the following:
- Testing and Quality Assurance – Independent product evaluations verify that a supplier’s product complies with safety and performance standards, adheres to regulations, and meets the expectation of consumers – all valuable information in evaluating a current or prospective supplier.
- Audits – A detailed independent audit provides retailers with essential information about a vendor’s or sub-contractor’s manufacturing capabilities, quality assurance systems, regulatory compliance, sanitation conditions, social compliance, and environmental performance – all critical issues in choosing the right vendor.
- Supply Chain Risk Assessments – A detailed risk assessment of a vendor’s supply chain operations can identify serious business interruption risks. Our services include political and regulatory assessment, factory outsourcing and transportation analysis, contingency plan review, and security evaluation.
- Product Inspections – STR provides pre-shipment and in-process inspection programs designed to eliminate many of the uncertainties associated with global sourcing. Final product inspections, packaging, and shipping are important areas that need to be evaluated to ensure that your product is safe, reliable, and conforms to appropriate standards and specifications that have been agreed upon between you and your supplier.
