Factory Checklist Before Ordering Custom American Mahjong Sets From China

Quick Go/No-Go Checklist

Do not release the order until you can answer yes to these questions:

• Does the quotation identify the correct legal company and payment beneficiary?
• Is the exact American Mahjong tile map approved?
• Are material, dimensions, finish, colors, artwork process, and accessories documented?
• Has the required physical sample been inspected and approved?
• Are all active artwork and packaging files versioned?
• Does the purchase agreement match the approved product and quote?
• Are measurable quality checks and defect-handling terms documented?
• Are retail packaging, labels, inserts, barcodes, and cartons approved?
• Are Incoterm, freight responsibility, documents, and destination clear?
• Can the supplier reproduce the same specification for later orders?

If any answer is no, record an owner and deadline. A target launch date is not a reason to skip an unresolved control.

1. Company and Payment Verification

Confirm who is selling the goods, who is receiving payment, and who is responsible for production.

Company Checklist

• ☐ Legal company name appears consistently on the quotation, invoice, contract, and business documents.
• ☐ Company registration and address have been reviewed using appropriate current sources.
• ☐ Sales contact uses a traceable company channel or an explained authorized arrangement.
• ☐ Factory or production location has been identified.
• ☐ In-house and subcontracted processes are disclosed at a useful level.
• ☐ One party is accountable for complete-set quality and corrective action.
• ☐ References, audit records, or production evidence have been reviewed according to project risk.

Payment Checklist

• ☐ Payment beneficiary matches the contracting company or an authorized relationship documented in writing.
• ☐ Bank-detail changes require independent verification through a known contact method.
• ☐ Currency, amount, payment stages, bank fees, and due conditions are clear.
• ☐ The order or contract identifies what each payment releases.
• ☐ Refund, cancellation, tooling, sample, and change-order terms are understood.

Do not rely on a supplier's website ranking as proof of legal identity or production capability. Website content is useful for shortlisting; commercial verification is a separate step.

2. American Mahjong Product Specification

The specification should define the product so another qualified person can understand what must be made and inspected.

Tile Configuration

• ☐ Total tile count is stated: 152, 160, 166, or another approved configuration.
• ☐ The complete tile map lists suits, winds, dragons, flowers, jokers, blanks, spares, and special tiles.
• ☐ Quantity per unique face is documented.
• ☐ Numerals, words, orientation, and readable markings are approved.
• ☐ No one uses "standard American set" as a substitute for the tile map.

Tile Construction

• ☐ Material is identified using supplier-confirmed wording.
• ☐ Acrylic layers, melamine direction, or other approved construction is documented.
• ☐ Tile dimensions, thickness, edge, back, and finish are stated.
• ☐ Color references and approval method are identified.
• ☐ Engraving, color fill, UV printing, screen printing, or hybrid process is mapped to the artwork.
• ☐ Any important tolerance or acceptable variation has been discussed and documented.

Accessory Configuration

• ☐ Racks fit the approved tile dimensions.
• ☐ Pushers align with racks and the intended wall.
• ☐ Mat dimensions, material direction, artwork, edge, and pack method are stated.
• ☐ Bag or case holds the complete configuration.
• ☐ Dice, holders, indicators, inserts, and small accessories are listed by quantity.
• ☐ Components that are excluded from the set are also clear.

Lucky Mahjong can support different component combinations, but components vary by product model and order requirements. Request a written list rather than assuming all accessories are included.

3. Artwork, Intellectual Property, and Version Control

The final production package should contain only active files.

Artwork Checklist

• ☐ Editable vector artwork is available in AI, PDF, SVG, or another confirmed format.
• ☐ Fonts are outlined in production files and usage rights have been reviewed.
• ☐ Every face is connected to a tile code and quantity.
• ☐ Engraving paths are clean and fill colors are separated.
• ☐ UV print files follow the supplier's current requirements.
• ☐ Fronts, backs, edges, layers, and orientation are labeled.
• ☐ Packaging uses current supplier dielines.
• ☐ A review PDF matches the editable files.

Rights and Confidentiality Checklist

• ☐ The buyer has rights to use logos, fonts, illustrations, photographs, names, and licensed content.
• ☐ Confidentiality obligations are documented where appropriate.
• ☐ Ownership of final artwork, adapted production files, molds, tooling, and packaging dielines is clear.
• ☐ The supplier's right to display the product in marketing, samples, or trade shows is defined.
• ☐ Third-party score cards or copyrighted instructions are included only with appropriate authorization.

Version Checklist

• ☐ One folder is labeled approved for sample or approved for bulk.
• ☐ Obsolete files are archived outside the active production package.
• ☐ File names contain project, component, version, and status.
• ☐ All post-approval changes create a new version.
• ☐ The purchase order references the active file set.

4. Sample Approval

A sample should prove the high-risk parts of the final order. Confirm what it represents before approving it.

Sample Scope

• ☐ Sample type is identified: reference, material, process tile, partial, complete set, packaging prototype, or pre-production sample.
• ☐ Sample material and production process match the proposed bulk product where required.
• ☐ Placeholder accessories or packaging are disclosed.
• ☐ Sample cost, shipping, contents, revision scope, and approval method are written.
• ☐ Sample identifier and file versions are traceable.

Physical Review

• ☐ Every tile is counted against the tile map.
• ☐ Material, dimensions, layers, finish, back, and edge are reviewed.
• ☐ Artwork, engraving, fill, printing, registration, and readability are checked.
• ☐ Color is compared with the agreed reference under consistent conditions.
• ☐ Racks, pushers, mat, bag, case, tray, and box are tested together.
• ☐ The complete customer unboxing and repacking sequence is reviewed.
• ☐ Issues are recorded with change IDs, photos, and required outcomes.

Approval Gate

• ☐ Approved items and open items are separated.
• ☐ Required digital corrections are confirmed.
• ☐ Changes requiring another physical sample are identified.
• ☐ Final sample photos and sample identifier are stored.
• ☐ Bulk production is not released until critical sample issues are closed.

Sample policies vary by project scope and quantity. Sample production typically begins after artwork approval and payment confirmation.

5. Quotation and Purchase Agreement

The commercial document should match the approved specification, not a shorter early inquiry.

Quote Checklist

• ☐ Quote version and validity period are stated.
• ☐ Product, quantity, and SKU split are clear.
• ☐ Tile material, dimensions, count, artwork process, and finish are itemized.
• ☐ Accessories and exact quantities are itemized.
• ☐ Packaging, inserts, labels, barcodes, and cartons are included or excluded explicitly.
• ☐ Samples, tooling, setup, artwork adaptation, and testing are identified.
• ☐ MOQ applies to a defined design, colorway, component, or total order.
• ☐ Production estimate includes its start condition.
• ☐ Inspection and shipping basis are stated.

Agreement Checklist

• ☐ Purchase order or contract references the approved specification and files.
• ☐ Change-order process is defined.
• ☐ Payment, cancellation, delay, inspection, defect, rework, replacement, and claim terms are understood.
• ☐ Incoterm and named place are stated correctly.
• ☐ Ownership of tooling and custom materials is clear.
• ☐ Confidentiality and IP terms match the project.
• ☐ Governing terms and dispute process have been reviewed at an appropriate level.

Obtain qualified legal, tax, customs, and compliance advice when the commercial risk justifies it.

6. Quality-Control Plan

"High quality" is not measurable. Define what will be checked, when, by whom, against which reference, and what happens if goods fail.

Pre-Production Controls

• ☐ Approved sample and active specification are available to production and QC.
• ☐ Incoming material and component checks are defined.
• ☐ First production pieces or setup approval is planned where appropriate.
• ☐ Color, dimensions, engraving, print, and accessory references are available.

In-Process Controls

• ☐ Tile shaping, surface, engraving, fill, print, or assembly checkpoints are identified.
• ☐ Artwork orientation and version are controlled.
• ☐ Defects are separated and recorded.
• ☐ Corrective action is escalated before the complete order is produced.

Final Inspection Controls

• ☐ Sampling method or inspection scope is agreed.
• ☐ Tile count and complete tile map are checked.
• ☐ Appearance and dimensions are compared with the approved standard.
• ☐ Racks, pushers, mats, bags, and packaging fit are checked.
• ☐ Labels, barcodes, inserts, SKUs, and cartons are verified.
• ☐ Inspection records, photos, and defect summary are delivered.
• ☐ Release, rework, replacement, or reinspection decision is documented.

Defect-Handling Controls

• ☐ Critical, major, and minor issues are defined where appropriate.
• ☐ Missing or incorrect components have a remedy.
• ☐ Replacement quantity or spare strategy is documented.
• ☐ Claim evidence, notice period, and resolution path are understood.
• ☐ Final payment or shipment release is connected to the agreed inspection process.

7. Packaging and Label Approval

Packaging should protect the complete set, present the brand, and meet the sales channel's information needs.

Retail Packaging

• ☐ Final-size components fit the approved box, bag, or case.
• ☐ Trays, dividers, wraps, and compartments protect surfaces.
• ☐ Customer can remove and repack components safely.
• ☐ Print, finish, logo, text, and barcode are approved.
• ☐ Insert cards and instructions use the correct version.
• ☐ Retail seal, shelf orientation, and label placement are defined.

Destination and Channel Information

• ☐ Country-of-origin wording is reviewed.
• ☐ Importer, business, warning, age, material, care, or recycling text is reviewed where applicable.
• ☐ Marketplace or retailer labels and routing rules are current.
• ☐ Claims are supported and appropriate for the exact product.
• ☐ Licensed or copyrighted content has authorization.

Transit Packaging

• ☐ Retail packs are protected inside inner and master cartons.
• ☐ Units per carton and SKU mix are documented.
• ☐ Carton dimensions, gross weight, marks, and sealing are confirmed.
• ☐ Pallet or parcel requirements are defined where applicable.
• ☐ Packed product and shipping protection have been assessed for the intended route.

8. Shipping, Customs, and Receiving

Shipping Checklist

• ☐ Incoterm and named place are confirmed.
• ☐ Buyer and supplier responsibilities are understood.
• ☐ Express, air, sea, or another method has been evaluated for the actual shipment.
• ☐ Freight quote assumptions use current carton data and destination.
• ☐ Booking, pickup, documents, and release responsibilities are assigned.
• ☐ Insurance responsibility and claim process are understood.

Documentation Checklist

• ☐ Commercial invoice, packing list, and required shipment documents are identified.
• ☐ Product description, quantity, value, and tariff classification are reviewed appropriately.
• ☐ Destination testing, compliance, retailer, or customs documents are current and product-specific where required.
• ☐ Document copies will be available before arrival.

Receiving Checklist

• ☐ Delivery location, appointment, warehouse, and handling requirements are confirmed.
• ☐ Receiving count and carton-condition process are assigned.
• ☐ Buyer-side inspection and evidence collection are planned.
• ☐ Damaged, missing, or incorrect goods have an escalation path.
• ☐ Photography, relabeling, kitting, retailer intake, or ecommerce setup time is included before launch.

Shipping can be estimated after destination country, order quantity, carton dimensions and weight, and preferred delivery method are known.

9. Reorder and Change Control

The first successful order should create a controlled product record for later production.

• ☐ Supplier retains or references the approved master sample under agreed conditions.
• ☐ Material, color, component, and packaging codes are recorded.
• ☐ Artwork, tile map, dielines, and inspection criteria are archived.
• ☐ Buyer and supplier agree how long records or tooling will be retained.
• ☐ Every reorder receives a new quote and confirmation of material and capacity.
• ☐ Proposed substitutions require written buyer approval.
• ☐ Changed material, color, process, supplier, or equipment triggers a review and possible sample.
• ☐ Reorder inspection compares goods with the same controlled specification.

Never approve an undocumented substitution because a component is temporarily unavailable. Decide whether the change is acceptable, needs a sample, changes price, or should wait.

10. Final Go/No-Go Meeting

Hold one final review before the production release. Use this table:

Authorize production only when critical gates are marked go. Store the signed or acknowledged release with the active specification and purchase documents.

Immediate Red Flags

• Bank details change shortly before payment without independent verification.
• Supplier refuses to identify the legal entity or production responsibility.
• Quote omits tile count, material, accessories, or packaging.
• Product photos conflict with the proposed process or sample.
• Supplier asks for bulk approval before the required sample is complete.
• Several artwork versions remain in the active folder.
• Custom colors have no physical approval method.
• Packaging is finalized before components fit.
• Compliance claims are generic or unrelated to the exact product.
• Inspection is discouraged or scheduled after shipment release.
• A substitution is introduced without price, sample, or specification review.

A red flag does not always prove misconduct, but it requires a documented explanation before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I verify a Mahjong factory in China?

Review the legal entity, business records, facility or production evidence, process responsibility, product samples, quotations, payment beneficiary, quality records, and references appropriate to the order. A factory visit or third-party audit may be useful for higher-risk projects.

Is a physical sample necessary before bulk production?

A physical sample is strongly recommended for custom products because it can reveal material, color, engraving, printing, dimension, accessory-fit, and packaging issues that digital proofs cannot show. Match the sample scope to the project risk.

What should be attached to the purchase order?

Attach or reference the approved specification, tile map, component list, artwork versions, packaging files, sample identifier, quality criteria, quotation, payment terms, Incoterm, and shipping requirements.

Should I pay the full order before inspection?

Payment stages depend on the negotiated agreement, supplier, order, and risk. Buyers should understand what each payment releases and connect final payment or shipment release to the agreed inspection and documentation process where commercially appropriate.

What if the factory needs to change a material or component?

Require a written change request that explains the reason, technical difference, price, MOQ, timing, quality, packaging, and whether a new sample is needed. Approve a new specification version before production continues.

Review Your Project Before Ordering

Lucky Mahjong supports American Mahjong projects involving custom tiles, backs, jokers, logo placement, packaging, cases, inserts, racks, pushers, mats, and accessory coordination depending on project requirements.

Related guides:

• How to Choose a Custom American Mahjong Manufacturer in China
• Custom American Mahjong Sample Process
• Private Label American Mahjong Packaging Guide
• Custom American Mahjong Sets

Review Project Feasibility or email [email protected] with your quantity, tile map, material direction, artwork, accessories, packaging, destination, and target launch window.