The SQA2 Blog: Advice Center
For media and streaming companies, the user experience is everything. Ensuring that experience works flawlessly across devices is non-negotiable. But for many teams relying on offshore QA, the biggest challenge sometimes isn’t test quality. It’s getting the devices there in the first place.
The Problem: Offshore Device Testing Meets Real-World Logistics
We’ve worked with a major media company that was shipping devices to an offshore QA team for testing. What looked good on paper quickly became a logistical nightmare:
- Devices stuck in customs for weeks
- Some units returned damaged or nonfunctional
- Release timelines pushed back due to unavailable test hardware
When QA depends on physical devices arriving safely and on time, customs delays aren’t just frustrating. They can throw off entire release schedules and frustrate engineering teams.
The Solution: U.S.-Based QA Without the Shipping Headaches
After multiple incidents, the client moved device QA to our U.S.-based team. Since then, they’ve had zero issues getting hardware into our test labs.
We’ve successfully received and tested the following devices:
- Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Roku Express 4K
- Roku Streaming Stick
- Chromecast (Black and White models)
- Apple TV 4K
- Android TV (OS 12)
- Vizio Soundbar
- Xumo Streaming
- Karaoke Microphones
- Sound Mixer
- Vizio Smart TVs
- LG Smart TVs
- Telly Smart TVs
- Sharp Smart TVs
All devices were shipped domestically, avoiding customs problems entirely. The result was faster testing cycles, full device coverage, and no delays due to damaged or missing hardware.
Why This Matters for Streaming Platforms
If you’re shipping smart TVs, streaming sticks, or set-top boxes to an offshore QA team, you might be saving money on hourly rates. But the hidden costs add up:
- Weeks lost to shipping delays
- Devices that never arrive or arrive broken
- Unplanned release pushbacks
- Misalignment and communication issues due to time zones
Recent tariffs and digital taxes are also starting to impact the cost advantage of offshore QA. We explored this in more detail in this blog.
Our clients have found that our model delivers better quality, faster turnaround, and smoother collaboration, while avoiding the risks that come with international logistics.
Want to Avoid the Offshore Shipping Trap?
If you’re testing across streaming platforms and want a hassle-free, cost-effective approach to device QA, our U.S.-based team is here to support you.
