Proof That a Shipment Is In Good Condition

iStock/Thinkstock

When you place an order with a supplier located thousands of miles away, how do you protect yourself on the quality of the merchandise before it is released?

Request an inspection certificate.  Make it a condition (required document) within your payment arrangement.  Learn more here and here.

Discover How To Use an Inspection Certificate

iStock/Thinkstock

Inspection certificates 101:

When shipping high-value products or when you are dealing with a very conscientious customer, an inspection certificate might be requested. An inspection certificate provides proof that what you are shipping is, in fact, what the customer ordered, and is also of good quality. 

Learn more (including companies who do this sort of work) here.

How To Write Off Defective Imports

iStock/Thinkstock

Anne Fisher -- who I have known for years and is one of my favorite senior writers at Fortune and Fortune Small Business magazines -- tackles a tough import question:

My scientific-supply firm imports many of its products from China. Upon checking my last shipment, I saw that about half of the goods had defects. I'm trying to make the vendor replace them or refund my money, but in the meantime, how do I document the goods' disposal to satisfy the IRS?

And we were happy to help with the answer.