A comprehensive quality control checklist covering every category on Litbuy. Print this, use it for every order, and stop approving bad batches.
The Universal QC Framework
Quality control is the step between ordering and shipping where you verify the item is correct before it leaves the agent warehouse. Every reputable agent offers QC photos. Some include them automatically; others charge a small fee. Either way, this step is non-negotiable. Approving an item without inspecting it is the single biggest risk you can take in this workflow.
In 2026, the best agents provide 6-10 photos per item plus short videos for complex pieces. You should request at least: front view, back view, both sides, logo or branding close-up, material texture close-up, and an overhead symmetry shot. For shoes, add an insole measurement photo. For bags, add a strap attachment close-up. For jackets, add a zipper glide video. The more angles you have, the fewer surprises arrive at your door.
- Request 6-10 photos per item: front, back, sides, logo, material, symmetry
- Add category-specific shots: insole for shoes, strap attachments for bags
- Request short videos for zippers, hardware, and print stretch tests
- Compare every detail to the reference image from the spreadsheet row
- Do not approve if any photo is blurry or taken from a misleading angle
- Screenshot everything before approving — creates a record if issues arise later
Category-Specific Checks
Each category has unique quality markers that general photos might miss. Shoes need insole measurements and midsole symmetry checks. Hoodies need interior fleece density and drawstring tip inspections. T-shirts need collar stitching and shoulder taping verification. Jackets need zipper glide tests and baffle fill distribution. Accessories need hardware weight and strap strength checks.
In 2026, experienced shoppers keep a category-specific checklist and run through it for every QC album. This takes five minutes but catches 90% of common flaws before shipping. The key is knowing what to look for in each category. A flaw that is unacceptable in a $200 puffer might be tolerable in a $15 T-shirt. Set your standards based on the item price and your intended use. A fashion-week piece demands perfection. A gym T-shirt can handle minor stitching variance.
| Category | Critical Check | Photo to Request | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoes | Insole length matches your foot | Insole measurement with ruler | Asymmetrical midsole shape |
| Hoodies | Interior fleece density and drawstring tips | Inside fleece close-up + drawstring ends | Single-stitch collar or frayed drawstrings |
| T-Shirts | Collar stitching and shoulder taping | Neckline inside + shoulder seam | Single-stitch collar, no shoulder tape |
| Jackets | Zipper glide and baffle fill distribution | Zipper video + side-view loft photo | Snagging zipper or clumped fill |
| Accessories | Hardware weight and strap attachment | Hardware close-up + strap stress photo | Hollow hardware or single-stitch attachments |
Red Flags That Mean Rejection
Some flaws are dealbreakers regardless of price. Misaligned logos on branded items, wrong colorways, reversed prints, and incorrect sizing are automatic rejections. These are not minor quality issues; they are wrong-item errors. If the agent sent the wrong color, size, or style, reject immediately and request an exchange. Do not accept partial refunds for wrong items unless you genuinely want the incorrect version.
Less obvious but equally important: check for stains, holes, and loose threads that suggest damage rather than construction variance. A small thread end is normal. A pulled stitch across a stress point is not. Water stains on white items, scuff marks on shoe soles, and creased leather all indicate warehouse handling damage. These flaws warrant rejection because they are not manufacturing issues; they are damaged goods that should never have been photographed for approval.
Auto-Reject Flaws
- Wrong color, size, or style entirely
- Misaligned or missing logos on branded pieces
- Reversed or crooked prints on graphic items
- Stains, holes, or scuffs indicating warehouse damage
- Pulled stitches across stress points (not minor thread ends)
- Hardware that is broken, bent, or missing pieces
When to Accept Minor Flaws
Not every imperfection is worth rejecting. Minor thread ends, slight logo placement variance within retail tolerance, and material texture differences that do not affect function are common on budget-tier items. The question is whether the flaw matters to you. If you are buying a $20 hoodie for gym wear, a slightly off-center logo might not bother you. If you are buying a $180 jacket for daily wear, your standards should be higher.
In 2026, the community has developed a useful rule of thumb: if the flaw is invisible at two meters in normal social situations, it is probably acceptable for casual use. If the flaw is visible immediately or affects function (zipper jams, pocket holes, wrong sizing), reject it. Your personal tolerance matters. Some buyers are perfectionists. Others prioritize price over polish. There is no right answer, but there is a wrong answer: accepting a flaw that will annoy you every time you wear the item.
Pro Tips
- Apply the "two-meter rule": invisible flaws at normal social distance are acceptable for casual use.
- Set higher standards for expensive items you plan to wear frequently.
- Accept minor thread ends and texture variance on budget-tier pieces.
- Reject any flaw that affects function: zippers, pockets, seams, or sizing.
- When in doubt, ask the community. Post QC photos on Reddit or Discord for second opinions.