How to Read QC Photos: ACBuy Agent Quality Control Guide

Quality control photos — QC photos — are the single most important tool in a rep buyer's arsenal. They're your chance to inspect your item before it leaves China, before it goes through customs, before it arrives at your door. A thorough QC review can save you from receiving a disappointing item, and knowing what to look for makes all the difference. This guide covers everything you need to know about evaluating QC photos from the ACBuy agent platform, with specific tips for different product categories.

What Are QC Photos?

When you order through ACBuy, your item is first shipped from the seller to ACBuy's warehouse in China. Once it arrives, the ACBuy agent inspects the item and photographs it from multiple angles. These photos are then sent to you through the ACBuy platform for your review. You have the option to approve the item (and proceed with international shipping) or reject it (and request a return or exchange). This process typically takes 1–3 days after the item arrives at the warehouse.

QC Checklist: Sneakers

• Toe box shape and volume — compare to retail side profile
• Midsole color and texture — check for accurate color matching
• Outsole tread pattern — verify tread design matches retail
• Tongue label — font, spacing, and stitching should be clean
• Heel counter — should be firm and correctly shaped
• Lace holes — should be evenly spaced and correctly sized
• Overall symmetry — both shoes should match each other
• Box and accessories — check that all included items are present

QC Checklist: Clothing

• Fabric weight and texture — should feel appropriate for the price point
• Stitching quality — check seams for consistency and no loose threads
• Print/embroidery accuracy — compare graphics to retail references
• Tag placement and font — interior tags should match retail positioning
• Color accuracy — check under different lighting if possible
• Fit and proportions — compare measurements to retail size charts
• Zipper quality (if applicable) — should operate smoothly

Common QC Red Flags

• Blurry or misaligned text/graphics — font accuracy is crucial for branded items
• Uneven stitching or loose threads — indicates poor construction quality
• Color mismatch — compare carefully to retail references in similar lighting
• Asymmetry between left and right shoes — both should be identical
• Incorrect proportions — toe box too wide/narrow, heel too high/low
• Missing accessories — check that all included items (laces, tags, box) are present
• Visible glue marks — especially on sneaker midsoles and uppers

How to Request Better QC Photos

The standard QC photos from ACBuy are good, but sometimes you need more. Don't hesitate to message the ACBuy agent to request specific angles or close-ups. Common requests include: close-up of the tongue label, side profile of the midsole, close-up of the logo embroidery, photo of the outsole, and photo of the interior tags. ACBuy agents are generally very responsive to these requests and will provide additional photos within 24 hours.