What should I do if I find issues in QC photos?

Document the specific issues with clear descriptions and reference comparisons. Contact your supplier with the evidence and request an exchange or refund. Most legitimate suppliers address QC concerns promptly.

How long should I spend reviewing QC photos?

Plan 15-30 minutes per item for thorough review. Compare against retail reference images, check all checklist points, and verify sizing. Do not rush this step — it is your last chance to catch issues before shipping.

Can I request additional QC photos?

Yes, most suppliers will provide additional photos if you request specific angles or details. Be polite and specific in your requests. "Please show the heel tab from a straight-on angle" is better than "I need more photos."

Litbuy Spreadsheet — Browse & Buy Through the Trusted Catalog

Quality control is the most important step in the Litbuy ordering process. It is your final opportunity to catch issues before your items are shipped across borders. This guide provides a comprehensive QC framework that works across all categories, plus specific checks for the most common product types. Master this process and your satisfaction rate will increase dramatically.

The Universal QC Framework

Every QC review should follow a consistent process. This ensures you do not miss critical details and helps you build a systematic approach that becomes faster with practice. The framework has four phases: initial impression, detailed inspection, reference comparison, and final decision.

1

Initial Impression

Look at the overall shape, color, and proportions. Does it match what you expected? If the first impression is off, dig deeper to identify exactly what is wrong before rejecting.

2

Detailed Inspection

Check stitching, materials, hardware, labels, and construction. Use the category-specific checklists below for guidance on what details matter most.

3

Reference Comparison

Compare against verified retail reference images. Focus on key details that are hard to fake: proportions, material texture, and specific construction points.

4

Final Decision

Approve, request changes, or reject. Be decisive and clear in your communication. Vague feedback wastes time for both you and the supplier.

Category-Specific QC Notes

While the universal framework applies to everything, each category has specific details that matter most. Prioritize these category-specific checks for faster, more accurate reviews.

Category	Top 3 QC Priorities
Shoes	Silhouette proportions, sole stitching, insole branding
Hoodies/Sweaters	Stitching density, fabric weight, cuff quality
T-Shirts	Print quality, neck rib, hem stitching
Jackets	Hardware quality, seam sealing, lining stitching
Pants/Shorts	Waistband construction, pocket alignment, hem finish
Headwear	Brim shape, embroidery quality, strap mechanism
Jerseys	Name/number alignment, badge quality, material weight
Accessories	Hardware branding, stitching consistency, material feel

How to Compare Against Retail References

The most effective QC reviews use side-by-side comparison with verified retail reference images. Save reference photos from official brand websites, trusted retailers, or your own collection. When QC photos arrive, open them alongside your references and systematically compare each key detail.

Reference Library Tip

Create a folder structure on your phone or computer: one folder per category, with subfolders for different items. Save reference images from multiple angles. This library becomes your most valuable QC tool over time.

When to Approve vs. When to Exchange

Not every minor flaw requires a rejection. Learn to distinguish between acceptable variations and genuine problems. Acceptable variations include slight color differences due to lighting, minor texture variations in natural materials, and tiny stitching inconsistencies that do not affect durability. Problems that warrant rejection include structural flaws, sizing errors, material substitutions, and significant color mismatches.

Building a Personal QC Library

Over time, you will develop an intuition for what matters. Document your experiences. When you approve an item and it arrives as expected, note what you checked. When you miss something and are disappointed, note what you overlooked. This feedback loop creates a personalized QC system that becomes more accurate with every order.