QC in practice – 5 things I check on the warehouse photos

1. Overall shape (IMAGE 1 — flat lay)

Before you start looking for tiny flaws, take a look at the whole shoe. The flat version should look just like the original. Check the height, the thickness of the sole, the toe shape, and the width. If something seems off at first glance, that means it’s poorly made. Small details won’t fix that.

1. Seams (IMAGE 2 — close-up of the stitching)

Check if the stitches are even and tight. If the threads are sparse, it’s obvious the item is cheap. Look for any loose threads or uneven stitching as well. For shirts, pay attention to the sleeves and hood, as that’s where mistakes usually occur.

1. Glue and seams (IMAGE 3 — sole or fabric seam)

For shoes, check if there’s any glue visible on the sides and if the sole isn’t peeling at the top or back. For jackets, make sure the tape along the seams is even and holds well. Spilled glue is the most common reason for returns, and it’s immediately visible in the QC photos.

1. Material (IMAGE 4 — close-up of the material)

The lighting in the warehouse often changes colors, so don’t rely solely on the shade. Check if the material is thick and how it feels to the touch. Leather, suede, and regular fabric all look different. If something looks like cheap plastic in the photos, it will be the same in person.

1. Labels, box And the accessories (IMAGE 5 — tag and box)

Check the tags inside, the box, the bags, and any extra laces. People often forget to verify whether everything is included in the set. By the time they open the package at home, it’s too late to return it. If there’s no photo of the tag, ask the seller to take one.
TIP!: If something is extremely wrong, return it and don’t ship that item!