How to Read QC Photos Like a Pro: Spotting Flaws Before Shipping
Why QC Photos Are Non-Negotiable
Quality Check photos are the single most important step between buying a rep and receiving it at your door. When your agent receives your item at their warehouse, they photograph it from multiple angles under consistent lighting. These images let you inspect stitching, logos, materials, and overall shape before committing to international shipping. Skipping QC photos is like flying blind. Once an item leaves China, returning it becomes expensive and often impossible. A $3 photo set can save you from a $50 mistake. Every serious rep buyer should treat QC as mandatory, not optional.
The Essential QC Checklist
GL vs RL: Making the Call
GL means Green Light — approve the item for shipping. RL means Red Light — request a return or exchange. The decision should be based on flaw severity, not perfectionism. Minor stitching inconsistencies that no one will notice on-foot are usually fine to GL. However, off-center logos, wrong colors, or material substitutions should be RL if the batch is supposed to be top-tier. Pro tip: join community discords or subreddits and post your QC albums. Experienced members will spot flaws you missed and tell you whether the issue is batch-wide or a one-off defect.
Common Flaw Categories by Product Type
| Product | Most Common Flaw | Acceptable? |
|---|---|---|
| Sneakers | Off-white midsole color | Often batch flaw, minor |
| Hoodies | Misaligned embroidery | GL if under 2mm shift |
| Jackets | Wrong zipper pull branding | Usually RL if visible |
| T-Shirts | Neck tag font spacing | Almost always GL |
| Accessories | Hardware weight difference | Hard to judge from photos |
Frequently Asked Questions
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