FAI Policy

Here at Shanghai Optics, we stand behind the quality of our optics 100%. We are confident about our capabilities, and we offer some of the highest quality optics in the industry. However, we want you to experience our commitment to quality first hand before committing to a larger order. We relate to both sides of the market, and understand that it is very difficult to commit to a supplier before inspecting their product first. We have a win-win solution for you, our valued customer, by providing a worry free experience during the purchasing process and provide that extra boost of confidence in Shanghai Optics as a company. This is why we offer our valued customer an FAI (First Article for Inspection) option.

For more details on how this process works, please read the following:

FAI stands for First Article Inspection. FAI is a great opportunity if you are looking for a second/alternative supplier for an existing product or want to lock in the lowest unit price possible by ordering a large quantity and having the ability to inspect sample pieces for quality approval.

• Understand that FAI is NOT for prototype. FAI can ONLY be offered on finalized (frozen) design, where NO specification changes are allowed. FAI is for quality inspection purpose ONLY.

FAI allows you to skip the small orders for quality testing, therefore saving you money in the long run.

Once you receive the FAI samples, you will have 30 days to perform the needed testing and inspections to assure that SO meet your specifications and pass your acceptance criteria.

• The acceptance criteria of the products will be based on the specifications that we agreed
  upon during the RFQ/Quotation process.
• In the event that Shanghai Optics fails to meet the acceptance criteria on the FAI, you
  have the option of cancelling the entire order and a credit will be issued accordingly.
• We guarantee that we will stand behind our products 100% and meet the specifications of the
  products.
• After the FAI has been approved (within 30 days after samples are received), Shanghai
  Optics will deliver the balance of the order according to pre-confirmed delivery schedule
  per order confirmation.
• Our policy does not allow specification changes for FAI therefore, any additional changes
  to the specification after inspection will incur additional costs that will be the
  customer’s responsibility for the added costs.

Please see the following real-world example:

A customer would like to order a custom lens assembly on a finalized design from SO:

Option 1: Quantity of 5 units for pilot build/sample (This is different from prototype) – unit price is $2,000/each, total price of $10,000.

Option 2: Quantity of 100 units for production – unit price is $350/each, total price of $35,000.

Thanks to our offer of an FAI, you can place an order for 100 units at a unit price of $350/each. Shanghai Optics will then ship you 5 or more units for your testing/quality inspection and approval. The remainder of the lenses will be shipped once the FAI has been approved. We stand behind the quality of our products 100%, if you find quality issues or incorrect specifications with the FAI samples, we will provide you with a full refund.

The benefit? With SO’s FAI option, you do not need to invest $10,000 to test the initial 5 units. Instead, you can test our quality at production prices ($350/each) before receiving the entire shipment. You can rest assured knowing that your optics are in good hands, and that we offer a worry-free return policy. You have nothing to lose, but so much to gain!