Complete QC Guide: How to Inspect Your Reps Before Shipping
Quality Control (QC) is the single most important checkpoint between clicking 'buy' and receiving your package. Those photos your agent sends before shipping are your only chance to catch flaws, wrong sizes, or color issues before your items travel thousands of miles. This guide walks you through every detail you should examine, organized by product category, so you never miss a red flag again.
What QC Photos Should Show
- Full item from multiple angles (front, back, sides, top)
- Close-up of logos, branding, and text alignment
- Stitching quality and thread color consistency
- Sole pattern, texture, and color accuracy
- Interior tags, size labels, and washing instructions
- Packaging, dust bags, and included accessories
- Any unique design elements specific to that item
Sneaker QC Checklist
| Check Area | What to Look For | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Toe Box Shape | Should match retail curvature | High |
| Swoosh Placement | Correct angle, not too high/low | High |
| Stitching | Even spacing, correct thread color | Medium |
| Midsole Paint | Clean edges, no bleeding | Medium |
| Heel Tab | Correct height and angle | Medium |
| Insole Logo | Clear print, correct font | Low |
Tip: Download retail reference photos from StockX or GOAT before your QC arrives. Side-by-side comparison is the fastest way to spot discrepancies.
Clothing QC: What Most People Miss
Clothing QC goes beyond just checking the front graphic. Pay special attention to the fabric weight and drape — budget reps often use thinner material that looks cheap in person. Check the stitching density on the shoulder seams, the alignment of patterns across seams, and whether tags match the brand's current season design. For hoodies, verify the drawstring tips and pocket shape. For jackets, check zipper brand and smoothness.
Request QC
Ask your agent for detailed photos within 24 hours of warehouse arrival.
Compare with Retail
Open reference images and place them side-by-side with QC shots.
Check Critical Areas
Focus on the highest-severity items from the checklist first.
Consult Community
Post in Discord or Telegram for a second opinion from experienced buyers.
Green Light or Exchange
Approve shipping or request a return/exchange if issues are found.
When to Red Light vs. Green Light
Summary
Quality control is not about finding perfection — it is about catching deal-breakers before they become your problem. Develop a systematic checklist, keep retail references handy, and leverage the community for second opinions. With practice, your QC review time will drop from 20 minutes per item to under 5, while your accuracy improves dramatically. Your future self, opening a flawless package, will thank you.
Ready to Shop?
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Browse Picks on HipobuyFrequently Asked Questions
How many QC photos should I request?
At minimum, 3 per item: front, back, and a detail shot. For sneakers, request 5 including sole and insole. Most agents include 3 free, extra photos cost $1-3 each.
What if my agent refuses to take extra QC photos?
Consider switching agents. A quality agent should accommodate reasonable QC requests, especially for high-value items over $100.
Can I return items after green lighting them?
Usually no. Once you approve shipping, the agent is no longer responsible for issues. This is why thorough QC is critical.
Should I RL over minor flaws?
It depends on your standards. Flaws visible only under close inspection are typically acceptable. Structural issues, wrong colors, or major logo problems warrant a return.