The 12-Point Inspection
Every box that enters our 15,000 sq ft warehouse on N Ramsey Blvd goes through the same rigorous inspection before it earns a grade and a spot on our shelves. Here is what our team checks:
Points 1-4: Structural Integrity
1. Wall compression — We press on all four walls to check for soft spots, delamination, or water damage. A wall that gives too easily fails.
2. Corner strength — Corners bear the most stress during stacking. We check all eight corners (four top, four bottom) for crushing, splitting, or separation.
3. Bottom flap integrity — The bottom of the box holds the weight. We verify that all flaps are intact, not torn, and fold properly without cracking.
4. Top flap function — All flaps must fold to a near-closed position. Severely bent or missing flaps result in automatic rejection or Grade D classification.
Points 5-8: Surface Condition
5. Printing and labels — We note the extent of existing printing, logos, and labels. Grade A boxes have none; Grade D may be covered.
6. Tape and adhesive residue — We check for and attempt to remove tape remnants. Clean removal is Grade A territory; heavy residue drops the grade.
7. Staining and discoloration — Water stains, oil marks, or unusual discoloration are noted. Light staining may be Grade B; heavy staining is Grade C or D.
8. Odor check — Boxes that smell of chemicals, food, or mildew are rejected outright. This is a zero-tolerance point — we will never sell a box that smells.
Points 9-12: Specifications
9. Dimensional accuracy — We verify the box matches its listed dimensions within a half-inch tolerance.
10. Wall type verification — Single wall, double wall, or triple wall is confirmed by examining the board profile.
11. ECT/strength rating — When the box certificate (printed on the bottom flap) is legible, we record the ECT or burst rating.
12. Size categorization — The box is assigned to one of our 200+ size categories for accurate inventory and quick fulfillment.
This process takes 30-60 seconds per box. Our team inspects roughly 2,000 boxes per day. It is meticulous, repetitive work — and it is the foundation of the trust our customers place in our grading system.