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QC photos: what to look for before approving an order

4 min read

QC photos are your single best lever for avoiding a bad delivery. Once you approve and the parcel ships internationally, fixing problems gets expensive and slow. This is the checklist we use on every QC photo set, in order of importance.

1. Size and color label

The agent always photographs the inner tag. Verify:

  • The size matches what you ordered (label says L, you ordered L).
  • The color matches the listing (label often shows color code in Chinese or letters).
  • The label is sewn in evenly, not loose or hanging.

Mistakes here are surprisingly common. Sellers sometimes ship the wrong size or wrong colorway. Catching this at QC saves the entire order.

2. Overall color and pattern

Look at the full item under the warehouse lighting. Check:

  • Is the color true to the listing photos, or off (too pink, too yellow, etc.)?
  • For printed items, is the print sharp and complete? No cropped logos at hems.
  • For dyed garments, is the color even, or is there a fade or streak?

Warehouse lighting affects color perception slightly — a beige can look greenish under fluorescent light. Significant deviations are usually real, though.

3. Stitching, especially at stress points

Stress points: shoulder seams (for hoodies and tees), back of hood, side seams, crotch (for pants), inseams. These are where bad stitching shows first and where failure happens first in wear.

Look for:

  • Even stitch density throughout (not bunching in one spot).
  • No loose threads hanging from inside seams.
  • No skipped stitches (gaps in the stitch line).
  • Reinforcement stitching where expected (e.g., at pocket corners, belt loops).

4. Logos and brand details

For branded items (whether OG factory or budget tier):

  • Logo placement matches reference photos of the real item.
  • Logo embroidery is dense and the threads match expected colors.
  • Heat-pressed logos sit flat, not lifting at edges.
  • Embossed leather logos (on bags, shoes) have crisp impressions.

Fonts on labels are the easiest tell. Compare letter weights, spacing, and exact characters.

5. Hardware

For items with zippers, buttons, snaps, buckles, or grommets:

  • Zippers operate smoothly in the QC video (most agents post short videos).
  • Snap buttons close firmly.
  • Buckles align cleanly.
  • Hardware finish is consistent across the item (no rust spots, mixed metals, or visible scratches).

6. Sole patterns (for sneakers)

For sneaker QC, examine:

  • Sole tread depth and pattern matches reference.
  • Outsole color and material consistency.
  • Heel cup integrity (no glue showing where it shouldn't).
  • Inside lining smoothness.

7. Fabric weight and texture

QC photos sometimes include a fabric closeup. Look for:

  • Weave density (you can see through cheap thin fabrics).
  • Texture consistency (heavy weight, fluffy fleece, etc.).
  • For terry or fleece, brush density and uniformity.

If you suspect the fabric weight differs from the listing, ask the agent to weigh the item. Most agents will do this on request.

8. Damage, dirt, or defects

Anything visible:

  • Stains, marks, dirt smudges.
  • Tears, holes, or pulls in the fabric.
  • Crushed packaging that suggests rough domestic handling.
  • Strong odors mentioned by the warehouse staff (some report this in notes).

What to do when you see a problem

Don't approve. Two options:

  1. Ask for a re-shoot. If the issue might be photographic (lighting, angle), ask the agent to photograph again. See how to request a re-shoot or refund.
  2. Ask for a return. The agent contacts the seller; you usually get a refund minus domestic Chinese shipping.

If the issue is minor (a loose thread, a tiny scuff) but you still want the item: accept and note the flaw. Sellers and agents track customer feedback over time.

How long this takes

First few times, the full QC review takes 10-15 minutes per item. After ten orders, it's 2-3 minutes. The checklist becomes muscle memory.

Agent-specific notes

KakoBuy, CSSBuy, and Sugargoo provide the most consistent QC photo quality (multiple angles, label closeups, video included). CNFans and Hubbuy do well on sneakers specifically. ACBUY and OOPBuy provide solid coverage. Smaller agents like Mulebuy, Hoobuy, and Loongbuy work but quality varies by warehouse — request additional photos if the default set is sparse.

Next, read 12 red flags in QC photos for specific failure patterns to recognize.