How to Check QC Photos Before You Ship
QC photos are the only time you see your actual item before paying for international shipping. Ten minutes spent on them saves you from shipping a wrong size or a bad pair halfway around the world.
What QC photos are
When your item reaches the agent's warehouse, staff photograph it: usually the front, back, labels, details and, for clothing, a measurement with a tape. These are QC (quality check) photos of the exact piece you bought, not the seller's stock pictures.
Check the basics first
Start with what is easy to get wrong: is it the right item, the right colourway and the right size? Compare the size tag and the tape measurement with the size chart in the listing. A wrong size is the most common problem and the easiest to fix before shipping.
Then the details
On shoes, look at the overall shape from the side, the toe box, the stitching around the heel and the alignment of logos. On clothing, check the print or embroidery for smudges and misalignment, the collar and the cuffs. On bags, look at the edges, the hardware and any engraving.
Put the QC photos next to retail pictures of the same model and compare the same angles. Small differences are normal for reps; look for things you would notice when wearing it.
Look for flaws
Glue stains, loose threads, stains, scratches and uneven panels are worth flagging. Some are fixable (agents can sometimes clean glue), others are a reason to exchange.
GL or RL
If everything looks right, accept it (GL, green light) and it waits in the warehouse for shipping. If not, ask your agent for an exchange or a return (RL, red light) before the parcel leaves. Exchanges usually cost only domestic shipping in China.
Ask for more photos
Most agents sell extra or detailed photos for a small fee. They are worth it for expensive pairs or bags, where the details decide whether you keep the item.
