How to Read QC Photos Before You Approve a Shipment
One of the biggest advantages of buying through an agent is the QC photo
QC photos show the specific item sitting in the warehouse. They are not marketing images and not the seller's own glamour shots. That is the point: you are seeing the real thing under plain lighting, flaws and all. What QC usually cannot tell you is how a garment feels, how true the fabric weight is, or how something fits your body. Treat the photos as an inspection, not a fitting room. Shoes:
Bags:
Apparel:
You are allowed to ask questions. If a shot is blurry or an angle is missing, request another. Most agents will re-photograph an item, especially a specific detail like a heel tab, an interior tag, or the underside of a sole. A polite, specific request ("please show the stitching on the right sole") works far better than a vague complaint. Approve only when you are genuinely satisfied. If the photos show the wrong item or a clear defect, decline and ask the agent to arrange a return or exchange with the seller. Once you approve and ship, your options shrink dramatically, and international returns are rarely worth the cost. Patience at the QC stage is almost always cheaper than regret after delivery. QC turnaround varies. Sometimes photos appear within a day; during busy periods they can take several days. That waiting time is normal and not a sign that something is wrong. Build it into your plan, especially if you are buying for a specific date. Browse more items to inspect across the finds categories, or try a search
What QC photos are, and what they are not
A practical checklist for any item
Category-specific things to check
Asking for a better photo
When to reject
Set realistic expectations
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