AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) sets the maximum number of defective units you'll tolerate in a random sample from the batch, split into minor, major and critical defects, critical defects should usually be set to zero tolerance. You don't need to invent this yourself: pick a standard inspection level (commonly AQL 2.5 for D2C goods), hire an inspector who applies it, and get a written report before you release final payment.
3 resources, 3 link-checked.
A major third-party inspection firm's own AQL explainer and calculator, useful both to learn the standard and to see who you might hire to apply it.
From qima.com by QIMA
One of the most-cited independent explainers of AQL in the sourcing world, written by inspectors who actually apply it in the field.
From qualityinspection.org by QualityInspection.org
A free calculator to work out your sample size and acceptance/rejection numbers for a given batch size and AQL level before an inspection.
From hqts.com by HQTS
The same ground, over in Build the product, our Starting Up track.
