Learning how to properly check QC photos is the most important skill for any rep buyer. This guide walks you through every detail to look for, by category.
Why QC Checks Matter More Than the Product Price
QC Checklist for Shoes
Shoes are the most QC-intensive category. Follow this checklist for every pair:
- 1Sole tread pattern: Compare the tread design and depth against official product photos. Wrong tread is a common batch defect.
- 2Toe box shape: Should match reference exactly — too bulbous or too flat are common issues on Jordans and Dunks.
- 3Logo embossing and printing: Check Nike Swoosh placement, Jumpman angles, brand text fonts and spacing.
- 4Colorway accuracy: Check against official colorway name. Slight color casts in photos are normal, but major deviations are a red flag.
- 5Interior lining and insole printing: Often overlooked but important for high-end batches.
- 6Stitching on upper panels: Any loose threads or uneven stitch spacing is a defect worth noting.
- 7Lace tips (aglets): Should be clean and uniform, not frayed or mismatched.
QC Checklist for Clothing
Clothing QC requires attention to different details than shoes. Here's the full checklist:
- 1Care label / interior tags: Language, font, and content should match the origin region of the real item.
- 2Screen print / embroidery quality: No bleeding, cracking, or misregistration on graphics.
- 3Color and fabric: Compare to reference photos under similar lighting conditions.
- 4Seam and stitch consistency: Check shoulder seams, hemlines, and sleeve attachment.
- 5Zipper quality (for hoodies/jackets): Should slide smoothly; YKK branding on premium rep items.
- 6Fit and proportions: Compare measurements against size chart if your agent includes a measurement service.
- 7Pattern alignment at seams: On premium items, check that patterns like stripes or plaids align across seam lines.
How to Read QC Photos Like a Pro
When to Reject QC: Red Lines vs Acceptable Defects
Not every flaw is worth rejecting. Here's a guide to what matters vs what's acceptable:
| Issue | Severity | Reject? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrong colorway completely | Critical | Yes | Always reject wrong colorway |
| Logo font slightly off | Medium | Sometimes | Depends on batch reputation |
| Tiny loose thread at seam | Minor | No | Common on all clothing; cut it off |
| Wrong size shipped | Critical | Yes | Always reject wrong size |
| Slight color cast in photo | Negligible | No | Often just camera white balance |
| Outsole tread wrong pattern | Critical | Yes | Wrong tread = wrong batch |
| Interior tag slightly off-center | Minor | No | Common even on retail items |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does QC mean in the rep community?
QC stands for Quality Control. In the rep community, it refers to the process of inspecting photos of your items before they ship internationally from the agent's warehouse.
Can I request more QC photos from my agent?
Yes, most agents including KakoBuy allow you to request additional angles or close-ups at no extra charge. Request them for any areas you're unsure about.
What should I do if QC fails?
Contact your agent immediately and request a return or exchange before authorizing international shipment. Do not approve shipment if QC shows clear defects.
How many QC photos should I expect?
Good agents like KakoBuy provide 10-15 photos per item. Budget agents may provide fewer. Always ask for more if you're unsure about an area.
Is it normal for rep items to have minor differences from retail?
Yes, minor differences are expected. The goal is to find items with the best possible accuracy, not perfection. Community consensus on Reddit helps calibrate what's acceptable for each batch.
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