How to Read QC Photos: The Reps Inspection Skill Guide

QC photos are the single most important data point between ordering and receiving a rep. Reading them well saves money (reject early, rebuy elsewhere) and filters A-tier from B-tier before international shipping.

This is the skill guide. Assume you've just received 5 QC photos via Kakobuy, Sugargoo, or any agent.

The 60-second first pass

Before the detailed check, do a 60-second scan:

1. Do the photos look like photos of the thing I bought?
2. Are the big, obvious details correct? (color, overall shape)
3. Is the seller's branding/box present and correct?

If anything fails this 60-second scan, it's a reject. Don't waste time on detail inspection.

Category-specific checklists

Sneakers

1. Outsole — clean, tread pattern correct
2. Midsole — cement lines clean, correct height
3. Upper — stitching straight, panels aligned
4. Laces — correct material, tips correct color
5. Insole branding — font, placement, stamp depth
6. Tongue tag — correct text, proper pitch
7. Heel logo/branding — symmetric L/R, correct placement
8. Box — model number matches, side-sticker correct

Apparel (tees, hoodies)

1. Fabric weight — looks substantial in drape
2. Print alignment — centered, not skewed
3. Print quality — sharp edges, correct ink technique
4. Interior label — woven/printed per retail spec
5. Stitching — flatlock/overlock per retail
6. Hem — cleanly finished
7. Cuffs/ribbing — consistent stretch, correct material

Bags

1. Dimensions — ruler in photo if possible
2. Leather grain — natural, not synthetic-looking
3. Hardware — clasp/zipper/feet weight visible
4. Interior stamp/serial — present, correct
5. Stitching — entire main seam visible
6. Strap attachment — stitched securely
7. Dust bag + box if advertised

Watches

1. Dial close-up — printing clarity, hand alignment
2. Crown — correct branding, smooth operation hint
3. Case-back — reference number, text spelling
4. Bracelet/strap — hardware, clasp
5. Movement shot (mechanical) — rotor branding
6. Bezel — rotation smooth (if rotating type)
7. Weight — reported in listing or QC

Jewelry

1. Material stamp (S925, 750, etc.)
2. Polish quality — no tool marks
3. Stone setting (if applicable) — flush
4. Clasp mechanism — engages
5. Brand stamp — correct font, depth
6. Weight reported

Lighting and angle considerations

Good QC photo characteristics

• Natural daylight or bright LED
• Item in sharp focus
• Reference background (usually white or plain)
• Standard angles (front, back, side, detail)
• Includes scale reference where useful

Poor QC photo signals

• Blurry / out of focus
• Heavy yellow tint (fluorescent light)
• Dark shadows hiding details
• Close-ups at odd angles (trying to hide issues)
• Missing angles that would expose problems

If a QC set has consistently poor photo quality, request better ones before accepting. Worth the 10 CNY fee.

Rejection thresholds

Reject if:

• Any part obviously wrong (wrong color, wrong size, missing part)
• Stitching clearly crooked
• Printing smudged or misaligned
• Hardware visibly damaged
• Material obviously wrong (e.g., synthetic where leather claimed)

Hold/request more if:

• Detail unclear — request zoom
• Lighting makes color hard to judge — request different lighting
• Angle doesn't show key detail — request specific angle

Accept if:

• Detail matches retail reference photos
• No major issues visible
• Photos cover all critical angles

Common issues per category

Sneakers

• Heel swoosh asymmetric → reject
• Glue on midsole → reject (pictures, not scuff marks which are minor)
• Wrong insole branding font → reject
• Tongue tag printing smudged → reject

Apparel

• Print cracked or bleeding → reject
• Interior label wrong type → reject
• Fabric weight obviously light → reject or negotiate

Bags

• Logo position off → reject
• Leather grain obviously synthetic (on T3+ claim) → reject
• Hardware weight not reported or too light → request
• Stitching crooked on main seam → reject

Special situations

Item has 5+ photos but seller requested you decide based on

Accept within 24 hours if everything looks clean. Delays can cost you storage fees and slow the pipeline.

Photos don't match listing

Seller shipped wrong variant/colorway. Immediate reject. Dispute resolves in 3-7 days typically.

QC shows acceptable but you have doubts

Request one extra set of photos. 10-15 CNY; gives you final validation before shipping.

Photos are rushed/blurry

Request better photos. Agent warehouses accommodate this at modest fee.

Frequently asked

How long should QC inspection take?

1-3 minutes for a practiced eye, 10 minutes for a beginner. Don't rush but don't over-analyze.

Should I ask for a video?

For watches or complex mechanical items, yes. For apparel and basic sneakers, photos are sufficient.

What if I accept and the item arrives wrong?

Dispute with agent. Most agents honor "item doesn't match QC" claims but may require additional photos of arrived item.

Can I return a QC-accepted item if I change my mind?

No. Accept = commitment. Only QC rejection gives refund path.

Is there a way to get second-opinion reviews of QC photos?

Post in reps Discord servers (see discord servers guide). Community will review your photos.

For specific category detail see AJ1 guide, sneakers guide, bags guide, watches guide.