The cars have arrived and cleared customs. The next step is the one most easily skipped and the most valuable: acceptance. An hour of careful checking before you sign beats a month of chasing a claim afterwards.
1. Acceptance Checklist, Item by Item
| Check | Key point |
|---|---|
| Paint and bodywork | Walk the car in daylight for scratches, dents and colour mismatch; watch for transit scrapes |
| Glass and tyres | No cracks; tyre brand, size and production week consistent across the vehicle |
| Interior and mileage | Seats, carpet and headliner undamaged; mileage in a reasonable new-car range |
| VIN and plate consistency | Chassis VIN, identification plate, contract and documents must all match exactly |
| Accompanying documents | Conformity certificate, invoice, packing list, service book, correct number of keys |
| Live function test | Start, lights, air conditioning, wipers, windows and head unit — all checked |
Order matters: match VIN and documents first, then inspect the body, then power up. Sign only when all three pass.
2. If You Find a Problem
- Record and photograph on the spot: note the defect on the receipt and have someone present countersign — this is the basis for any later claim.
- Separate minor from serious: minor paint blemishes can be settled by discount or repair compensation; structural issues, missing parts or missing documents mean do not sign.
- Notify in writing the same day: email the seller, carrier and insurer with what you found and what you want.
- Do not repair it yourself: repairing before a survey prevents loss assessment and can void the claim.
3. Documents You Must Collect
- Ownership and compliance documents: these are prerequisites for registration — missing one costs you many extra trips.
- Invoice and packing list: needed for clearance, insurance and resale — file them properly.
- Service book and warranty proof: without warranty proof, future claims become very weak.
- Accessories and tool list: count spare wheel, tools and charging cables against the list so nothing is disputed later.
Shunwei Auto tip: Print this checklist on a single sheet and give it to whoever collects the cars. For multi-unit arrivals, use one sheet per vehicle to avoid mix-ups and missed items.
Note: Never sign in poor light or under time pressure. If conditions do not allow a proper inspection, write on the receipt: "body inspection not completed; right to raise objections reserved".
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