Understanding QC Photos: What to Look For
Quality Control photos are your safety net. Learn exactly what to inspect before approving your agent shipment.
Every agent order includes a critical checkpoint: the QC photo stage. These photos are your only chance to catch flaws before the item leaves the warehouse. Once you approve, returns become expensive or impossible. This guide breaks down every detail you should inspect.
The Big Five Checks
- Shape and silhouette — does the overall profile match retail references?
- Material texture — leather should look alive, not plastic. Mesh should have the right weave density.
- Color accuracy — compare against official product shots in consistent lighting.
- Stitching consistency — even spacing, straight lines, correct thread color.
- Logo placement and font weight — the most common batch-specific flaw.
Pro Tip
Download retail reference photos to your phone before reviewing QC. Side-by-side comparison on one screen eliminates lighting bias.
Common Lighting Tricks
Warehouses often use warm lighting that hides yellowing or makes cheap leather look richer. If the photos look overly warm, request one shot near a window or under neutral LED. Most agents honor this if you ask politely in the notes.
94%
Sneakers
89%
Hoodies
82%
Accessories
91%
Jackets
Accessories have the lowest pass rate because small details — engraving depth, clasp weight, dust bag quality — are easy for factories to overlook. Sneakers have the highest because the community scrutiny is intense and factories have had years to iterate.
Article FAQ
Standard orders include 3-5 photos. Premium QC services offer 8-12 with detail shots of logos, stitching, and insoles.
Your agent will return it to the seller and refund your order minus domestic shipping. Most agents allow one free return per item.
Yes. Include your request in the order notes. Popular requests include heel tab close-up, insole font, and side profile against a ruler.
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