If an inspection report does not match the supplier's description, you gain the leverage to renegotiate the price, request pre-shipment repairs, or reject the specific vehicle before it leaves the port.
This situation is precisely why independent, third-party inspections are a critical step in the international vehicle import process. A discrepancy isn't a failure; it’s the safety net working correctly to protect your investment. When you receive an inspection report with unexpected findings, the goal is to reach a fair resolution before committing to shipment.
How to Handle an Inspection Discrepancy
When an inspection report reveals issues—such as undisclosed cosmetic damage, mechanical faults, or incorrect specifications—the next steps are clear and structured. The report provides objective, documented proof to support your position.
Here is the typical resolution process:
Detailed Report Review: First, you will receive a comprehensive report from an independent body like SGS or Bureau Veritas (BV). This includes high-resolution photos, videos, and a checklist covering all major vehicle systems. It serves as impartial evidence of the car's actual condition.
Compare and Document: We compare the inspection findings directly against the supplier’s original listing, photos, and descriptions. We clearly document every discrepancy, from minor scratches to more significant functional problems, creating a clear basis for negotiation.
Consult and Strategize: At Starvia Automotive, we help you interpret the report and decide on the best course of action. Based on the severity of the issues, we will advise on whether a price reduction, a repair request, or rejecting the unit is the most sensible path.
Negotiate with the Supplier: Armed with the third-party report, we approach the supplier on your behalf. Since the evidence is objective, suppliers are typically cooperative. Common outcomes include:
- Price Reduction: The supplier agrees to a discount that reflects the cost of future repairs or the diminished value of the vehicle.
- Pre-Shipment Repairs: The supplier agrees to fix the identified issues at their own cost before the vehicle is cleared for export.
- Vehicle Replacement: For major, non-disclosed problems (like previous structural damage), you can reject the vehicle, and we will source an alternative unit that meets your standards.
Your Protection Before Shipment
An independent check is your most powerful tool for quality control. At Starvia Automotive, our available 200-Point SGS/BV Inspection is designed to give you a complete and unbiased picture of any new or used vehicle. This ensures that the car you pay for is the car you receive, eliminating costly surprises upon arrival and giving you the final say before your capital is committed to shipping.