Why QC Photos Are Non-Negotiable
A QC photo is a quality control photo taken by the seller before they ship your item. It is your last chance to catch problems before they become your problem. This guide gives you a category-by-category checklist so you know exactly what to look for in every photo.
The Universal QC Checklist
These checks apply to every item regardless of category:
- **Overall shape**: Does the item look like the reference photo? Check proportions, silhouette, and drape.
- **Color accuracy**: Compare with the reference under the same lighting. Slight shifts are normal; major shifts are not.
- **Stitching density**: Tight, even stitches are good. Loose, wavy, or skipped stitches are red flags.
- **Logo alignment**: Is the logo centered, straight, and the correct size? Crooked or oversized logos are common budget flaws.
- **Tag placement**: Inside tags should be readable and correctly positioned. Missing tags or misaligned tags are signs of low-tier batches.
- **Material texture**: Does the fabric look like the reference? Synthetic leather should not look like plastic. Cotton should not look like polyester.
Shoes QC Checklist
Shoes are the most complex category to inspect. Use this checklist in order:
### Shape and Silhouette - Side profile curve matches the reference - Toe box shape is correct (round, almond, or pointed as appropriate) - Heel tab height and placement are accurate - Tongue height and shape are correct
### Stitching and Construction - Stitching around the toe box is even and tight - Midsole paint lines are clean and straight - No glue residue visible on the upper - Thread color matches the reference
### Branding and Details - Logo size and placement match the reference - Insole print is clear and correctly aligned - Lace tips are the correct shape and material - Eyelet alignment is straight
### Material Quality - Leather texture looks natural (not plastic) - Mesh panels are breathable and correctly positioned - Suede direction is consistent (if applicable)
Clothing QC Checklist
### Hoodies and Sweaters - **Weight**: The item should feel heavier than it looks. Light hoodies are usually low-quality. - **Fleece texture**: Inside fleece should be soft and consistent. Clumpy or thin fleece is a red flag. - **Ribbing**: Cuffs and hem should snap back into shape when stretched. Loose ribbing means poor construction. - **Drawstrings**: Metal tips should be heavy and properly attached. Plastic tips are a budget flaw. - **Screen print**: Check alignment, opacity, and cracking. Prints should not look like they will peel after one wash. - **Inside neck tag**: Should be readable, straight, and correctly positioned.
### T-Shirts - **Fabric weight**: Quality tees are at least 220 GSM. Anything lighter will lose shape. - **Collar construction**: Ribbed neckbands should return to shape after stretching. Single-cut collars will bacon-neck. - **Shoulder seam alignment**: Should be straight and reinforced. - **Hem stitch consistency**: Should be even and tight. - **Print quality**: Should be opaque and aligned. No visible underprint or misalignment.
### Jackets and Outerwear - **Zipper brand**: Should match the reference. Cheap zippers are a common budget flaw. - **Pocket placement symmetry**: Left and right pockets should be mirrored. - **Lining material**: Should feel smooth, not papery or crackly. - **Stitching at stress points**: Armpits, pockets, and hem should have reinforced stitching. - **Fill power**: For down jackets, the fill should be evenly distributed and not clumpy.
### Pants and Shorts - **Waistband construction**: Should be reinforced and elastic. - **Fly zipper alignment**: Should be straight and smooth. - **Pocket bag material**: Should not be thin or tear easily. - **Hem stitching**: Should be even and tight. - **Inseam stitching**: Should be straight with no loose threads.
### Headwear - **Crown shape**: Should hold its shape without needing to be bent. - **Brim curve**: Should match the reference. - **Embroidery density**: Should be tight and not pull the fabric. - **Inside sweatband**: Should be thick and absorbent. Thin sweatbands will discolor quickly. - **Back strap**: Should be sturdy and correctly attached.
### Accessories - **Hardware weight**: Buckles, zippers, and clips should feel heavy. Lightweight hardware is a budget sign. - **Stitching at stress points**: Straps, handles, and attachment points should be reinforced. - **Logo alignment**: Should be centered and straight. - **Material texture**: Leather should smell like leather. PU should not look like plastic.
What to Do If You Find a Flaw
If your QC photo reveals a flaw, act immediately:
1. **Document the flaw**: Screenshot the QC photo and circle the issue. 2. **Contact the seller**: Send the photo and explain the problem clearly. 3. **Request an exchange**: Most sellers will exchange if the flaw is obvious. 4. **Be specific**: Say "the left pocket is misaligned by 2cm" instead of "this looks wrong." 5. **Set a deadline**: If the seller does not respond within 48 hours, follow up.
When to Accept Minor Flaws
Not every flaw is worth an exchange. If the flaw is minor and does not affect wearability, you might accept it. Examples of acceptable minor flaws:
- Slightly loose thread on an inside seam
- Minor color variation that is only visible under direct light
- Small tag placement difference that is not visible when worn
Examples of unacceptable flaws:
- Misaligned logo or print
- Wrong color entirely
- Missing hardware or broken zipper
- Material that does not match the description
The QC Mindset
QC is not about finding perfection. It is about finding acceptability. Replica items will always have minor differences from retail. The question is whether those differences are acceptable to you. The spreadsheet batch notes help you set expectations before you even order.
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