What Are QC Photos? How to Check Your Items Before They Ship

When you buy through a shopping agent, you don't see your item in person until it arrives at your door, weeks later and on the other side of the world. QC photos are how you check it before then.

What QC photos are

QC stands for quality check. When your item reaches the agent's warehouse in China, staff unpack it and photograph it. The photos are added to your order, usually within a day or two of arrival.

A standard QC set is a handful of photos: the front and back of the item, a close-up or two, and often the size tag. Most agents include a set for free. Many also offer extra photos, measurement photos or videos for a small fee.

QC photos are different from the photos on a product listing. Listing photos are the seller's own marketing shots and may be of a sample. QC photos show your exact item, from the batch you were sent.

Why they matter

QC photos are your last chance to catch a problem while the item is still in China. Once a parcel ships internationally, returns are no longer practical. While the item is at the warehouse, you can usually:

• exchange it for a different size or colour
• return it for a refund (minus domestic shipping)
• ask for more photos or measurements before deciding

What to check on everything

Start with the basics on every item:

1. Right item, colour and size. Mix-ups happen, so check the size tag and compare the colour with the listing.
2. Damage and defects. Look for stains, holes, loose threads, glue marks or scuffs.
3. Print and embroidery. Check that graphics are straight, sharp and complete.
4. Hardware. Zips, buttons, poppers and buckles should be present and undamaged.

Shoes

• Shape. Look at the toe box and heel from the side. Odd proportions are easier to spot in photos than in person.
• Stitching and glue. Check where the upper meets the sole for messy glue or uneven stitches.
• Both shoes. Make sure the pair matches and both are the same size.
• Ask for a photo of the size label inside the tongue if it isn't included.

Browse shoes to see what's popular.

Hoodies, tees and jackets

• Measurements. If you're between sizes, ask for a flat-lay photo showing chest width (pit to pit) and length. Compare it with a piece of clothing you own.
• Fabric. Close-ups show fabric thickness and texture, which listing photos often hide.
• Cuffs, collars and hems should be even and properly finished.

Bags and accessories

• Hardware and straps. Zips should run smoothly and straps should be firmly attached.
• Inside. Ask for an interior photo if lining and pockets matter to you.
• Dimensions. Check the size against the listing, since product photos make bags hard to judge.

GL and RL

You'll see these terms in finds communities:

• GL (green light) means the item looks right and is ready to ship.
• RL (red light) means there's a problem, and you should exchange or return it.

When in doubt, compare your photos with other buyers' photos of the same item, or ask your agent for a closer look.

What to do if something's wrong

1. Act quickly. Sellers' return windows are short, often around 7 days from when the item reached the warehouse.
2. Open a return or exchange from the order in your agent account and explain the problem.
3. Expect small costs. You usually pay domestic return shipping, and some sellers don't accept returns on sale or custom items.

If it's only a small flaw, decide whether it's worth the return cost. Loose threads can be trimmed, but a wrong size can't be fixed.

Listing photos on ChinaFinds

The photos on ChinaFinds product pages are the sellers' listing photos. They're useful for finding and comparing items, but they aren't QC photos. Always check the QC photos from your agent before you ship.

Next, learn how to ship your haul and keep costs down, or search for your next find.