How to Read QC Photos on KakoBuy: A Complete Inspection Guide
Quality control photos — or QC photos — are one of the most valuable features of the KakoBuy experience. Before your items ship internationally, KakoBuy's warehouse team photographs each product so you can inspect it remotely. This is your last chance to catch defects, wrong sizes, or color mismatches before the item is on its way to your door. Knowing how to read QC photos effectively can save you from receiving disappointing items and help you build a consistently high-quality haul.
What Are QC Photos and Why They Matter
QC photos are a set of images taken by KakoBuy's warehouse staff once your item arrives from the seller. They typically include shots of the front, back, sides, top, bottom, and close-ups of key details like logos, stitching, and tags. The purpose is to give you a clear view of the actual item you'll receive — not just the seller's listing photos, which may be stock images or heavily edited. For rep buyers, QC photos are especially important because they reveal the true quality of the batch. A good QC photo set will show you exactly what you're getting, warts and all.
What to Check in QC Photos: Shoes
When inspecting QC photos for shoes, check these elements in order:
- 1
Overall shape: Does the silhouette match the retail pair? Check the toe box, heel counter, and ankle collar.
- 2
Colorway accuracy: Are the colors correct? Check under different lighting conditions if possible.
- 3
Logo placement: Is the swoosh, Jumpman, or brand logo in the right position and correct size?
- 4
Stitching quality: Look for loose threads, uneven stitching, or glue marks around the sole.
- 5
Sole construction: Check the outsole pattern, midsole color, and any visible glue lines.
- 6
Tag details: The size tag, care label, and country of origin should match the retail pair.
- 7
Laces: Are the laces the correct color and length? Are the aglets clean?
What to Check in QC Photos: Clothing
For clothing items, focus on these QC checkpoints:
- 1
Print quality: Is the graphic sharp and correctly positioned? Check for any bleeding or fading.
- 2
Embroidery: Is the stitching clean and dense? Check the back of embroidered logos for quality.
- 3
Fabric texture: Does the material look like the correct weight and texture for the item?
- 4
Seam quality: Check all seams for evenness and strength, especially at stress points.
- 5
Tag accuracy: Brand tags, size labels, and care instructions should match the retail item.
- 6
Color accuracy: Colors can look different in photos — request a reshoot in natural light if needed.
How to Request a Reshoot
If the standard QC photos don't show the details you need, you can request a reshoot through KakoBuy's platform. Simply go to your order, select the item, and submit a reshoot request with specific instructions about what you want to see. Common reshoot requests include: close-up of the logo, photo in natural light, shot of the inside tag, or a specific angle that wasn't covered in the original photos. KakoBuy typically processes reshoot requests within 24–48 hours. Note that there may be a small fee for additional reshoot requests beyond the first.
When to Reject an Item
Knowing when to reject an item is just as important as knowing what to look for. Reject if you see:
- Wrong colorway or significantly off colors that don't match the listing.
- Visible defects like holes, tears, stains, or major stitching failures.
- Wrong size — if the tag clearly shows a different size than what you ordered.
- Severely misaligned logos or prints that are obviously wrong.
- Sole separation or visible glue failures on shoes.
- Missing components like laces, extra insoles, or accessories that were listed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many QC photos does KakoBuy take?
A: KakoBuy typically takes 8–15 photos per item, covering multiple angles and key details. You can request additional shots if needed.
Q: Can I reject an item after approving QC?
A: Once you approve QC and the item ships, you cannot reject it. This is why it's crucial to review QC photos carefully before approving.
Q: What happens to rejected items?
A: Rejected items are returned to the seller. KakoBuy will process a refund to your wallet, minus any domestic shipping fees that were already incurred.
Q: Are QC photos always accurate?
A: QC photos are taken under warehouse lighting conditions, which may not perfectly represent the item's true colors. If you're unsure about color accuracy, request a reshoot in natural light.
Conclusion
Mastering QC photo inspection is a skill that improves with every haul. The more items you review, the better you'll get at spotting quality issues and knowing what to look for. Don't rush the QC process — take your time, zoom in on the details, and don't hesitate to request reshoots or reject items that don't meet your standards. Your future self will thank you.
Ready to start your haul?
Browse thousands of verified finds across 11 categories on KakoBuy Spreadsheet.
Browse Best Finds