You submit a product sample; HANSE-CERT physically inspects it according to the 25 criteria of the Hanse Standard, documents each criterion with a photo in the test report, and subsequently provides a seal with a unique test number that can be publicly verified via the verification page. Retailers who want to protect their assortment against returns and complaints commission the product test directly via the order page and submit a representative sample that corresponds exactly to the stock items. This process creates a reliable basis for decision-making for customers and reduces uncertainties in e-commerce [1, 2]. An independent audit follows a fixed framework that goes beyond subjective customer reviews and makes the quality of your offering objectively verifiable [1].
Steps of the Product Audit
- Placement of Order: You commission the audit for your product sample via the order form [6].
- Sample Submission: You send one or more copies of your product to the institute; the quantity depends on the product type and the scope of the audit [1].
- Physical Audit: The product is examined according to the 25-point Hanse Standard. Each criterion is individually evaluated and photographically documented, ensuring that workmanship, functionality, and material quality are verifiably proven [1].
- Report Creation: You receive a detailed test report that transparently sets out the quality and serves both as internal documentation and as a basis for argumentation with customers [1].
- Awarding of the Seal: Upon successful completion of the audit, you receive a seal with a unique test number that customers can publicly verify via the verification page [2].
Checklist Before Submission
- Does the submitted sample correspond exactly to the currently sold batch, without custom modifications?
- Are all product-relevant details such as material, variants, and dimensions provided in full so that the audit can be correctly assigned?
- Is the packaging of the sample chosen in such a way that transport damage does not distort the test result?
- Has it been clarified internally who will review and approve the test report upon receipt?
- Has it been determined how the seal will be integrated into the listing and product communication after delivery?
- Is it defined at what point of a product change a re-audit is triggered to maintain the validity of the seal [3]?
Typical Mistakes in Product Auditing
- Inadequate Sample Selection: Send a product that corresponds exactly to what the customer receives. Discrepancies between the test sample and the stock items lead to a loss of trust and invalidate the seal in the event of a dispute.
- Missing Documentation: Ensure that the test report covers all relevant areas such as workmanship and functionality, instead of considering only superficial aspects [1].
- Unclear Communication: Use the seal actively in your listing to make the added value of the independent audit immediately visible to the customer [1].
- Neglecting Timeliness: Audits should be repeated in the event of significant product changes to maintain the meaningfulness of the seal [3].
- Delayed Submission: Those who only commission the audit after receiving the first customer complaints miss out on the preventive effect of the process on the return risk.
Background: Why a Standardized Audit Matters
An independent product audit is not a laboratory test in the classic sense, but a practical assessment of product quality as perceived by a buyer [1]. It serves to create trust through comprehensible, photographically documented evidence rather than relying solely on manufacturer specifications or customer reviews [1]. For retailers, this means: The test number on the verification page makes the assessment verifiable for every interested party before they buy. This lowers the inhibition threshold during the purchasing decision and simultaneously creates objective evidence that retailers can refer to in the event of a complaint.
If you are ready to objectively prove the quality of your assortment and structurally reduce the risk of returns, you can now commission your product audit.