How do we handle a late change of plug type after cartons are packed?

Main answer · Wecent Editorial Team

Short answer: Stop the shipment first and confirm the change in writing. Then compare options: change the plug heads on the existing units, repack with the correct units from stock, or make a new batch. Check labels, markings, approvals and the manual for the new plug, and agree who pays. Do not ship anything that no longer matches its label.

First, pause

Do not ship mixed or mislabelled cartons. Confirm what changed, which order lines are affected and whether the customer’s request is final.

Understand the change

Is it a different plug blade shape, a different region or a different model? In the US and Canada, the common plug is the same, so the change may be a different type of product, such as with or without a cable, or a different colour, not just a plug.

Options

1. Swap the plug head or cable on the existing units, if the design allows and the change is approved. Re-test.
2. Repack from stock with the correct units, and keep the packed cartons for another order.
3. Make a new batch with the new specification.
4. Cancel the change if the cost is too high and the customer agrees.

Check the paperwork

• Labels and markings must match the product that is inside.
• Approvals and test reports must cover the new variant.
• Manuals and packaging must show the right information.
• Barcodes and product codes must be updated.
• Customs and shipping documents must show the right model.

Cost and time

List the cost of labour, materials, repacking, testing, delays and freight changes. Decide who pays. A change after packing is normally paid for by the party that requested it, unless the contract says otherwise.

Agree in writing

Get a written change order with the cost, the new date and the sign-off. Avoid verbal agreements.

Check before the second shipment

Open a sample carton and check against the new specification and label. Take photos.

Prevent it next time

• Set a cut-off date for changes before packing.
• Confirm the plug and variant at the order stage and on the packing list.
• Keep a change log.

Quick summary

Pause, compare options, update the labels and approvals and agree the cost in writing.

Where this answer says to confirm with Wecent, the detail is not published on the product page and has to come from the datasheet or the factory. General facts come from the regulators, standards bodies or device makers named in the text.