Tutorial
AllChinaBuy QC Checklist: How to Inspect Your Photos
5 min read2026-06-10
Why QC Photos Matter
Quality Control (QC) photos are your only chance to catch issues before an item ships across the ocean. Once you approve a QC photo and submit for shipping, returning the item becomes expensive or impossible. In 2026, AllChinaBuy provides 5 free QC photos per item, with additional angles available for purchase.
General QC Checklist (All Items)
- Check that the item matches the product description
- Verify color accuracy under warehouse lighting
- Look for stains, tears, or loose threads
- Confirm logos and branding are present and correctly placed
- Check packaging condition if box is important
Shoes QC Checklist
- Toe box shape and symmetry
- Heel tab alignment and spacing
- Swoosh or logo placement accuracy
- Midsole paint consistency
- Lace color match to retail
- Insole stitching and branding
- Sole texture and tread pattern
Clothing QC Checklist
- Print placement accuracy vs retail reference
- Embroidery thread density and alignment
- Neck tag stitching and font accuracy
- Blank collar ribbing quality
- Stitching consistency throughout
- Drawstring and eyelet quality
- Interior wash tag details
Accessories QC Checklist
- Hardware branding and finish
- Material quality vs description
- Stitching and construction quality
- Dimensions and weight accuracy
- Packaging accuracy for branded items
When to Request Additional Photos
Request extra photos if:
- The default angles do not show the area you are concerned about
- You need a close-up of a specific detail
- The lighting makes it hard to judge color
- You want to see the item on a model or mannequin
When to Reject an Item
Reject the item if you see:
- Major flaws not mentioned in the listing
- Wrong color or size
- Significant damage or stains
- Missing parts or accessories
- Logo placement that is obviously incorrect
Common QC Mistakes
- Approving without checking all photos carefully
- Not comparing against retail reference photos
- Ignoring minor flaws that bother you
- Not requesting additional angles when needed
- Rushing because you want the item shipped quickly
Pro Tips for 2026
- Save retail reference photos on your phone before ordering
- Join the r/allchinabuy subreddit to see other buyers' QCs
- Use the spreadsheet's notes column for batch-specific flaws
- Request insole measurements for shoes and flat-laid measurements for clothing
- Take your time - better to wait than to receive a flawed item
Apply QC knowledge to real products
Browse the full catalog and use the category-specific tips to know what to inspect during QC.
Shoes QC Tips Clothing QC Tips