Here’s the deal: I paid for a “test” and I got an “evaluation.” Until I forced the semantics issue, I wasn’t even told the difference. Unless you confirm the actual test or the end client requires an actual test, you get an evaluation. In my case(s) I repeatedly asked for test results and was told I’d have them in 5 days–but then I had to provide all the factory’s chemical lists and started to question why–I wanted to provide a sample and have them tell me what was in it but even for the test they wouldn’t give me the results without the factory ingredient list first.

I was told, by a higher up in one of the big firms: You need to confirm, in writing that you are getting a test, not just an evaluation. It will take longer and cost more.

Also, confirm with customs or your client that you really need to have an actual test–most people don’t know the difference and evaluations for some folks are enough.

What we’ve done: I’m not sure if this works for food products, but with other powders and even other items that we need to have tested if you can create a “multi-pack” that has all the different flavors/colors in one package it often can save you time and money. Of course you have to specify that each of the colors/flavors are listed on the test results or it does you no good.

Bonus Tip: Here’s a dirty little secret from the testing industry too–they don’t test things unless you either force them to, the qtty’s demand it, it’s a security issue or the end retailer’s standards specify it. You (think you) pay for a test (you can even say/type the word test in your request) but what you really get is an “evaluation.” The difference is one is a test and one is a check of your info vs acceptable testing standards. This means that if you get a paint composition list from your paint supplier (so that you can test for lead) the testing company won’t test it, they’ll just check the factory list against the published standards. An actual “test” costs more and takes longer.

I wouldn’t think that this was a big deal if the testing companies (I’ve contacted 3 about this since a problem with one) were up front about it. But with the language barriers I didn’t realize the difference between “test” and “evaluate” when Hong Kong reps were talking to me in English.

The big rub is that if trust your factory and your testing company but your paint supplier lied to you (gave you correct #’s but didn’t use those numbers in his actual paint) you’re going to be nailed to the wall if a retailer does any independent testing.

Make sure you’re getting an actual “test” and not just an “evaluation.”