How to Check Product Quality - Complete QC Guide

Look, I learned this the hard way - actually checking your QC photos matters. Like, really matters. Both ACBuy and CNFans send you pics before they ship your stuff internationally, and this is literally your only chance to say "nah, this ain't it" without eating massive return shipping costs. Trust me, spend 10 minutes looking at these photos carefully. Future you will thank you.

Why Quality Checks Matter

When buying from Chinese sellers, quality can vary significantly. QC photos are your opportunity to:

• Verify Accuracy - Confirm you received the correct item, size, and color
• Spot Defects - Identify flaws, stains, or damage before shipping
• Check Details - Examine logos, stitching, and craftsmanship
• Prevent Disappointment - Return/exchange bad items before international shipping
• Save Money - Avoid expensive returns and reshipping costs

Understanding QC Photos

What Are QC Photos?

QC (Quality Control) photos are images taken by your shopping agent when products arrive at their warehouse. They typically include:

• Overall shots - Full product from multiple angles
• Detail shots - Close-ups of logos, tags, stitching
• Size/measurement photos - Dimensions if requested
• Defect documentation - Any visible flaws

ACBuy vs CNFans QC Quality

Aspect	ACBuy	CNFans
Photo Quality	Good	Excellent
Number of Photos	3-6 photos	5-10+ photos
Detail Level	Standard	Very Detailed
Extra Photos Cost	$1-2	$1-2
Turnaround Time	3-5 days	24-48 hours

Complete QC Checklist

Category-Specific Checks

Clothing Items

• Fabric - Check for pilling, snags, or thin spots
• Print Quality - Graphics should be clear and properly aligned
• Seam Alignment - Patterns should match at seams
• Collar/Cuffs - Should be symmetrical and well-shaped
• Size Tags - Verify size matches order
• Care Labels - Should be present and readable

Shoes/Sneakers

• Swoosh/Logos - Placement, size, and shape
• Stitching - Should be tight and even
• Sole - Check for glue stains or separation
• Shape - Toebox, heel cup should be correct shape
• Color Matching - All panels should match if same color
• Size Tag - Inside tongue or insole
• Insole - Logos should be centered and clear
• Laces - Correct type and clean

Accessories (Bags, Watches, etc.)

• Hardware Color - Should be consistent (all gold/silver)
• Engravings - Brand names should be clear and correct
• Zippers - Should zip smoothly
• Straps - Check for cracks or weak points
• Interior - Lining should be clean and properly sewn
• Serial Numbers - If included, should be present

🚨 Common Defects to Watch For

Defect Type	What to Look For	Action
Loose Threads	Hanging strings, unfinished edges	✓ Minor - Usually OK
Glue Stains	Yellow/white marks on shoes	✗ Major - Request exchange
Wrong Size	Tag doesn't match order	✗ Critical - Must exchange
Color Difference	Significantly different from listing	✗ Major - Consider return
Crooked Logo	Off-center or tilted branding	✗ Major - Request exchange
Small Wrinkles	Fabric creases from packaging	✓ Minor - Will iron out
Holes/Tears	Any damage to material	✗ Critical - Must exchange
Uneven Stitching	Wavy seams, skipped stitches	✗ Major - Request exchange

📏 Requesting Additional Photos

When to Request More Photos

If the standard QC photos are:

• Too dark or blurry to see details
• Missing critical angles (like logos)
• Don't show specific areas you're concerned about
• You need measurement verification
• You see a potential defect but can't tell clearly

How to Request

1. Contact agent support through website chat
2. Reference your order number
3. Be specific: "Please take close-up photo of Nike swoosh on right shoe"
4. Most agents charge $1-2 for additional photo sets
5. Usually provided within 24 hours

❌ What to Do If Quality is Bad

Option 1: Exchange

If the seller has stock, request an exchange:

• Agent returns item to seller
• Seller sends replacement
• You get new QC photos
• Usually takes 5-10 additional days
• Most sellers accept exchanges for defects

Option 2: Return & Refund

If exchange isn't possible or you change your mind:

• Request full return and refund
• Seller may charge restocking fee (10-20%)
• Some sellers don't accept returns
• Check seller policy before ordering

Option 3: Ship Anyway

For minor defects, you might accept the product:

• Small loose threads (can trim yourself)
• Minor wrinkles (will iron/steam out)
• Slight color variance you can live with
• Packaging damage (if you don't care about box)

🎓 Advanced QC Tips

1. Use Reference Images

Compare QC photos to:

• Seller's original listing photos
• Retail/authentic product images
• Other buyers' QC photos from Reddit/Discord
• Product details from brand website

2. Zoom In

Download photos and zoom in 200-300% to catch small defects that aren't obvious at normal size.

3. Check Both Items

For shoes especially, verify BOTH left and right are shown. Sometimes agents only photograph one shoe.

4. Lighting Matters

Colors look different in different lighting. If warehouse lighting is very yellow/blue, colors may not be accurate. Trust the seller photos more for color reference.

5. Ask the Community

If unsure, post QC photos to Reddit communities like r/FashionReps or agent Discord servers. Experienced members can spot issues you might miss.

📊 Our Website's Quality Standards

When we add products to our catalog, we verify:

While we curate carefully, you still need to check QC photos yourself. Every product is different, and quality can vary batch to batch. Our curation reduces risk but doesn't eliminate the need for personal QC verification.

🛡️ How to Ensure Good Quality

1. Shop Our Curated Catalog - We pre-screen sellers for you
2. Read Product Reviews - Check comments on listings
3. Choose Reputable Agents - ACBuy and CNFans both offer good QC
4. Request Detailed QC - Add notes when ordering
5. Review Photos Carefully - Use our checklist above
6. Don't Rush - Take time to examine every detail
7. Exchange if Needed - Don't accept bad products
8. Learn from Experience - Each order teaches you what to watch for

❓ Quality Check FAQ

Are QC photos free?

Yes, both ACBuy and CNFans include basic QC photos (3-6 images) for free. Additional photos cost $1-2 per request.

How long do I have to review QC?

Typically 7 days. After this, products may be shipped automatically or returned to seller. Check your agent's specific policy.

Can I return after shipping internationally?

Technically possible but highly impractical. International return shipping often costs more than the product. This is why warehouse QC is so critical.

What if seller refuses exchange?

Some sellers have no-return policies. You can either accept the product or forfeit it (usually lose your money). Always check seller return policy before ordering.

Should I accept minor flaws?

Depends on the price point and your standards. For budget items ($10-30), minor flaws are often acceptable. For expensive items ($100+), demand higher quality.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Quality control is the most important step in the shopping agent process. It's your safety net against bad products. Spend time reviewing your QC photos carefully - 10 minutes of careful inspection can save you from receiving something you'll never wear.

Remember: Our website curates products from reliable sellers, but the final quality check is YOUR responsibility. Use the checklist in this guide, take your time, and don't hesitate to request exchanges for legitimate defects.

Happy shopping, and may all your QCs be GL (Green Light)!