Understanding QC Photos: Your Complete Quality Control Checklist
How to inspect QC photos effectively, what red flags to look for, and when to request a return or exchange. A must-read for every agent buyer.
Quality control photos (QC photos) are the most important safeguard in the agent buying process. They are your only opportunity to inspect the actual item before it leaves the warehouse and begins its journey to your door. Developing a systematic approach to QC review will save you from receiving items that don't meet your expectations and help you make confident approve/reject decisions.
What QC Photos Should Include
Full product shot from the front (flat lay or on hanger)
Full product shot from the back
Close-up of all logos, text, and branding elements
Close-up of stitching quality at seams and hems
Tag photos (size tag, care label, brand tag)
Close-up of any hardware (zippers, buttons, buckles)
For shoes: sole photo, heel tab, toe box, and insole
For bags: interior lining, zipper quality, hardware close-ups
Sneaker QC Checklist
Sneakers require the most detailed QC inspection due to their complexity and the high standards of the community. When reviewing sneaker QC photos, work through each element systematically rather than just looking at the overall impression. A shoe can look great in a full shot but have significant issues in the details.
Clothing QC Checklist
For clothing items, the QC inspection focuses on construction quality, print/embroidery accuracy, and sizing. The most common issues with clothing QC are: incorrect print placement (too high, too low, or off-center), embroidery that looks fuzzy or has loose threads, fabric that appears thinner or different in texture than expected, and sizing that doesn't match the stated measurements. Always compare QC photos against the seller's listing photos AND community reference photos.
Pro Tip
Create a reference folder on your phone with photos of the authentic item from multiple angles. When reviewing QC photos, switch between your reference photos and the QC photos to spot differences more easily.
When to Reject QC
| Issue | Severity | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong item entirely | Critical | Reject immediately, request replacement |
| Significant logo inaccuracy | High | Reject or negotiate discount |
| Visible stitching defects | High | Reject or request replacement |
| Minor color variation | Medium | Accept or request discount |
| Slight size variation (±1cm) | Low | Usually acceptable |
| Packaging damage only | Low | Accept if item is undamaged |
Requesting Additional QC Photos
If the standard QC photos don't show what you need to see, you can request additional photos through SpanBuy. Common additional requests include: specific angle shots, close-ups of particular details, comparison shots with a ruler for size verification, and photos under different lighting conditions. SpanBuy charges a small fee for additional QC photos, but this is almost always worth it for high-value items.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to review QC photos?
SpanBuy typically gives you 48-72 hours to review QC photos before they auto-approve. Check your notification settings to ensure you receive alerts.
Can I request a refund after approving QC?
Once you approve QC and the item ships, refunds are generally not available unless the item arrives significantly different from the QC photos.
What if the QC photos are blurry or unclear?
Request clearer photos through SpanBuy. You have the right to see the item clearly before approving shipment.