What Are QC Photos and Why They Matter
QC photos are the photographs taken by SuperBuy warehouse staff when your item arrives. They are your only chance to verify the product before it is shipped internationally. Once you approve the photos and the item is shipped, returning it becomes expensive or impossible. Learning how to inspect QC photos is a critical skill for every SuperBuy buyer.
General QC Checklist for All Items
Every item you order should pass these basic checks before you approve it for shipping. This checklist applies to clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods.
Color Accuracy
Does the color match the listing photos under warehouse lighting?
Stitching Quality
Are the seams straight, even, and free of loose threads?
Logo Placement
Are logos centered, aligned, and proportioned correctly?
Size Verification
Does the item match the size you ordered? Check tags and measurements.
Material Check
Does the fabric look like the description? Leather, cotton, mesh?
Damage & Defects
Any stains, tears, scuffs, or broken hardware visible?
Shoe-Specific QC Points
Shoes are one of the most commonly ordered items and one of the most frequently returned. Here are the specific checks you should perform on shoe QC photos.
- Toe Box Shape: Compare the toe shape to retail photos. It should be symmetrical.
- Sole Glue: Check for excess glue around the sole edge. Clean glue lines indicate better construction.
- Insole Logo: The insole print should be centered and legible.
- Lace Quality: Laces should be flat, not round, and the tips should be clean.
- Box Condition: If you care about the box, check for damage. If not, ask the warehouse to remove it to save shipping weight.
Clothing-Specific QC Points
For clothing, QC is about fit, fabric, and finish. The warehouse photos may not show the item on a model, so you need to inspect flat-lay shots carefully.
- Measurements: Some warehouses will measure the item for you. Compare these to the size chart.
- Print Quality: For graphic tees, zoom in on the print edges. Screen prints should have clean edges.
- Collar and Cuffs: Check the ribbed collar and cuffs for even thickness and stitching.
- Inner Tags: Verify the wash tag and brand tag match the listing description.
When to Request More Photos
If the default QC photos do not show the detail you need, request additional angles. SuperBuy usually allows a few extra photos for free or a small fee. Request photos of:
- The logo or branding up close
- The inside of the item (lining, insole, inner tags)
- Specific measurements with a ruler visible
- The bottom of the sole for shoes
When to Reject an Item
If the QC photos show any of the following, you should request a return or exchange immediately:
- Wrong color, size, or style completely
- Obvious defects like holes, stains, or broken hardware
- Misaligned logos or prints
- Material that does not match the description (e.g., PU instead of leather)
- Significant sizing discrepancy from the chart