Master the art of quality checking your rep orders. Learn what to look for in QC photos and how to spot issues before they ship.
Quality checking (QC) is one of the most important skills a rep buyer can develop. When your order arrives at the USFans warehouse, you'll receive photos of the actual item before it's shipped internationally. This is your opportunity to catch any issues — wrong size, color discrepancy, manufacturing defects — before the item leaves China. A thorough QC review can save you from receiving a disappointing product and give you the confidence to approve shipment.
What Are QC Photos?
QC photos are photographs taken by the USFans warehouse team of your actual order. They show the item from multiple angles, including details that are important for quality assessment. For shoes, this typically includes the side profile, toe box, heel, sole, insole, and any branding elements. For clothing, it includes the front, back, labels, and any embroidery or print details. For accessories, it includes hardware, stitching, and interior details.
QC Checklist for Sneakers
- Overall shape and proportions match retail reference
- Colorway is accurate — no color bleeding or inconsistency
- Stitching is clean and consistent throughout
- Sole is correctly shaped and colored
- Toe box shape matches retail
- Heel counter is correctly shaped
- Laces are correct color and length
- Insole branding is accurate
- Size label matches your order
- No glue marks or manufacturing defects visible
QC Checklist for Clothing
Clothing QC requires attention to different details than footwear. The most important factors are fabric quality (does it look substantial and well-made?), print or embroidery accuracy (are logos and graphics correct?), construction quality (are seams straight and stitching consistent?), and sizing (does the garment look like the correct size?). For hoodies and sweatshirts, pay particular attention to the hood shape, pocket placement, and cuff quality.
- Fabric looks substantial and well-made
- Print or embroidery is accurate and clean
- Seams are straight and consistent
- No loose threads or unfinished edges
- Labels are correctly placed and printed
- Size matches your order
- Color matches the product listing
- Pockets are correctly positioned
- Zippers (if any) look smooth and functional
Common QC Issues and How to Handle Them
Even with the best sellers, QC issues can occur. The most common problems are color discrepancies (the item looks different from the listing photos), sizing errors (the wrong size was sent), manufacturing defects (loose stitching, glue marks, or material flaws), and branding inaccuracies (logos or text that don't match retail). If you spot any of these issues in your QC photos, contact USFans customer service immediately and do not approve the shipment.
| Issue | Severity | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong size | High | Request replacement immediately |
| Color discrepancy | Medium | Compare carefully, request replacement if significant |
| Minor stitching flaw | Low | Accept if not visible when worn |
| Branding inaccuracy | High | Request replacement or refund |
| Glue marks | Medium | Request replacement if visible |
| Packaging damage | Low | Accept if item is undamaged |
Pro Tip
Always compare your QC photos against retail reference images. Search for the specific model and colorway on Google Images or the brand's official website to get accurate reference photos. Side-by-side comparison makes it much easier to spot discrepancies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to review QC photos?
Can I request additional QC photos?
Conclusion
Mastering QC is one of the most valuable skills you can develop as a rep buyer. By carefully reviewing your QC photos against retail references, you can catch issues before they become problems and ensure that every order meets your expectations. Use the checklists in this guide as a reference for your next QC review, and don't hesitate to ask for replacements when something doesn't look right.
