Quality control is the single most important step in the Litbuy buying process. QC photos are your opportunity to verify the item before it ships. Once the item leaves the agent, your options are limited. This guide provides a complete QC checklist for every category, explains how to inspect photos, and shows you when to request an exchange.
Why QC Photos Are Your Best Protection When you order through an agent, the supplier ships the item to the agent first. The agent takes photos and sends them to you. These photos are your only chance to verify the item before it travels to your address. If the item is wrong, damaged, or lower quality than expected, you can request an exchange or refund at this stage.
Skipping QC is the most common mistake new buyers make. They are excited to receive their order and approve the photos quickly without checking the details. This impatience leads to disappointment when the item arrives and does not match expectations.
The Universal QC Checklist These checks apply to every item regardless of category:
Overall shape and silhouette. Compare the item against the listing photos. Does the shape look correct? Are the proportions right?
Color accuracy. Check the color under good lighting. Compare it to the listing description. Note that screen colors vary, so a slight difference is normal.
Logo and branding placement. Check that logos, text, and branding are in the correct position. Verify the font, size, and alignment.
Stitching quality. Look for even, consistent stitches. Loose threads, skipped stitches, or uneven spacing are red flags.
Material texture. Check that the material looks correct. Leather should look like leather, not plastic. Mesh should be breathable, not stiff.
Smell and condition. Ask the agent about any unusual smells or visible damage. The photos may not capture smells, but damage should be visible.
Category-Specific QC Checklists Shoes: Check the side profile, toe box shape, heel tab height, logo placement, midsole paint lines, stitching around the collar, insole text, and lace quality. Compare the sole pattern against reference images.
Hoodies and Sweaters: Check the fabric weight, cuff and hem elasticity, drawstring quality, hood shape, print or embroidery placement, and inside tag stitching. Look for loose threads on the cuffs.
T-Shirts: Check the collar ribbing, print quality, shoulder seam alignment, hem stitching, and tag placement. Verify the print is centered and not cracked.
Jackets: Check the zipper brand, pocket alignment, fill distribution, seam sealing, and cuff closure. Verify the hood attaches correctly if present.
Pants and Shorts: Check the pocket stitching, waistband elasticity, inseam alignment, hem finish, and fly construction. Look for bar-tacked pockets.
Headwear: Check the panel alignment, brim stitching, closure hardware, embroidery placement, and inside sweatband. Verify the tag placement.
Sets: Check the color consistency between pieces, logo alignment, stitching quality, and fabric match. Verify if the set is sold together or separately.
Jerseys: Check the number and name alignment, collar stitching, sleeve length, hem finish, and tag placement. Verify the fabric weight.
Accessories: Check the hardware quality, stitching on stress points, material consistency, logo placement, and closure function. Check the inside lining.
How to Request Better QC Photos If the initial photos are unclear, you can request additional shots. Here is what to ask for:
Natural light photos. Some agents use artificial lighting that distorts colors. Ask for photos in natural light.
Macro shots. Close-up photos of the logo, stitching, or material texture.
Comparison photos. If you have a reference item, ask the agent to photograph both side by side.
Specific angle shots. If you are concerned about a particular detail, ask for a direct photo of that area.
Most agents charge a small fee for additional photos, usually $1-3 per extra shot. This is a worthwhile investment for expensive items.
When to Request an Exchange Request an exchange when you see any of these issues:
Wrong color or material. The item does not match the listing description.
Incorrect size. The measurements do not match the size chart.
Misaligned logo or branding. The logo is in the wrong position or the wrong size.
Poor stitching. Loose threads, skipped stitches, or uneven seams.
Damage or defects. Visible holes, tears, or stains.
Wrong batch. The batch code does not match what you ordered.
Do not request an exchange for minor issues that you can fix yourself, like a single loose thread. Agents are more likely to cooperate if your request is reasonable and specific.
How to Document QC Issues When you request an exchange, provide specific evidence. Circle the problem areas in the photos. Reference the listing description. Explain exactly what is wrong and what you expect. Clear, polite communication gets faster results.
Final Advice on QC Treat QC as the most important step in your order. Spend time reviewing every photo. Compare against the listing and the category checklist. Request additional photos if needed. Only approve when you are satisfied. This careful approach eliminates almost all post-delivery problems.