How to Read QC Photos: A Practical Checklist

What QC photos are

QC stands for quality check. When an item reaches your shopping agent's warehouse, the agent photographs it so you can see the actual piece before it is shipped abroad. On RepLooks, QC photos collected from previous orders are shown on the product page, grouped by batch and date, so you can see what buyers received before you order.

QC photos are the closest thing to seeing an item in person. They are also the last easy moment to fix a problem: exchanging an item inside China is far simpler than returning it from abroad.

Start with the basics

Before looking at details, confirm the order itself:

• Is it the right item? Compare the overall shape and design with the listing.
• Is it the right style or colour? Seller photos can look different from real colours, so compare several QC photos.
• Is it the right size? Look for the size label, the box label for shoes, or ask the agent for a photo of it.
• Is everything included? Check accessories, extra laces, dust bags or tags that the listing mentions.

Check the condition

Next look for visible defects. Zoom into the photos and check:

• Stains, marks or discolouration, especially on light colours.
• Loose threads, uneven stitching or open seams.
• Damage from transport, such as a crushed box or creased leather.
• Glue marks on shoes, especially where the sole meets the upper.

Small loose threads are easy to trim at home. Holes, stains and wrong sizes are reasons to ask for an exchange.

Checklist for sneakers

• Toe box shape and height seen from the side.
• Symmetry of the pair: both shoes should match in shape and colour.
• Clean glue lines and even stitching around the sole.
• Size label inside the tongue and on the box.

QC

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen Low-Top Sneakers with Rounded and Ridged Sole Designs

£18.06

QC

Sneakers

Jordan 1 Retro High Lace-Up Sneakers

£31.60

QC

Sneakers

Air Force 1 Low Sneakers with Stitched Swoosh and Accent Tag

£44.02

QC

Balenciaga

Balenciaga Track Layered Lace-Up Chunky Sneakers

£50.79

View all →

Checklist for hoodies, tees and jackets

• Print or embroidery position, size and sharpness.
• Colour of the fabric compared with the listing.
• Measurements if the agent offers them: chest width and length are the most useful.
• Zips, buttons and drawstrings working and complete.

Checklist for bags and accessories

• Shape and structure: the bag should stand as in the listing photos.
• Hardware such as zips, clasps and chains, including their colour.
• Lining, interior pockets and any included accessories.

When to ask for more photos or an exchange

If a photo is blurry or misses a detail you care about, ask the agent for additional photos; many agents offer this as a small paid service. If the item is the wrong style or size, or damaged, ask for an exchange or return before you approve it. Once it leaves the warehouse, returns are slow and expensive.

How RepLooks shows QC photos

Products with QC photos show a QC count on their cards. Sort any list by most QC photos, or open the QC photos collection to browse only items that have them. On a product page, QC batches are dated so you can tell recent photos from older ones.

Where to go next

Read choosing a style and size, the QC photo guide, or the step-by-step agent guide.