GTBuy QC Photos Guide: What to Check Before You Ship

QC photos are your only chance to catch problems before the item leaves the warehouse. This guide teaches you what to look for, what to ignore, and how to request a replacement if something is wrong. Mastering QC photos is the single most important skill for buying reps in 2026.

What QC Photos Show

A standard QC photo set includes the front and back of the item, close-ups of logos and tags, stitching details, and packaging shots. For shoes, you also get sole shots and insole photos. For clothing, you get neck tag, wash tag, and seam close-ups. These photos are taken under standard lighting, so colors should be accurate.

What to Check on Shoes

Shoes are the most detail-sensitive category. Check the toe box shape and proportions first. The heel tab alignment must be centered and straight. Logo placement and font weight should match the retail version. Sole color and texture should be consistent under neutral light. Insole printing should be clean and centered. Lace quality and eyelet stitching should be even.

What to Check on Clothing

For hoodies and sweaters, check fabric weight and feel. Cuff and hem stitching should be tight. Drawstring thickness should match the original. Inside fleece should be soft and evenly distributed. For t-shirts, blank weight should be at least 200gsm. Print should feel embedded, not like a sticker. Neck ribbing should be thick and hold its shape.

What to Check on Jackets

Jackets are the highest investment category, so QC matters more here. Check fill power and weight. Shell material should feel crisp and not paper-thin. Zippers should glide smoothly and match the brand. Seam taping should be even and free of gaps. Lining texture should be durable.

Red Flags to Watch For

Crooked logos are the most obvious red flag. Mismatched colors are another common issue. Loose or skipped stitches indicate poor construction. Wrong packaging suggests the item is not from the claimed batch. Missing accessories are also a problem. If you see any of these, request a replacement immediately.

What to Ignore

Slight creasing that happens during shipping is normal and will go away. Factory smell fades in a day or two. Tiny thread ends can be trimmed with scissors. Minor packaging dents do not affect the item itself.

How to Request a Replacement

If you spot a red flag, message support immediately with the photo number and your concern. Be specific. Say "the logo on the left shoe is crooked by about 2 millimeters" instead of "the shoes look wrong." Specific requests are processed faster. Most sellers will swap the item without issue.

Lighting and Color Accuracy

QC photos are taken under standard warehouse lighting. If you are concerned about color accuracy, ask for a photo under natural light. Some sellers offer this as an extra service. The $1-2 fee is worth it for expensive items.

QC Photo Checklist Summary

For every order, go through this checklist:

• Front and back view
• Logo and tag close-ups
• Stitching details
• Color accuracy
• Packaging and accessories
• Any specific category checks (toe box, fill power, etc.)

Never approve an order without completing this checklist.