Understanding the QC Process
When you order through a shopping agent like KakoBuy, the QC process works like this: After the seller ships your item to the agent's warehouse, the agent's staff inspects the item and takes photos from multiple angles. These photos are uploaded to your account, and you have a set period (usually 3-7 days) to review them and either approve or reject the shipment.
If you approve, the item is packed and shipped to your address. If you reject, you can request a refund or ask the agent to source a replacement. Most agents charge a small restocking fee for rejected items, so it's important to make your decision carefully.
The QC Checklist: What to Examine
Go through this checklist systematically for every QC review:
Overall shape and silhouette
Does the item look right from a distance? Compare the overall shape against retail reference photos. Obvious shape issues are usually a sign of a poor batch.
Logo and branding
This is often the most critical check. Compare font, size, spacing, and placement of all logos and text against multiple retail references. Even 1mm off can be noticeable.
Color accuracy
Check all colorways against retail photos taken in similar lighting. Be aware that camera settings and lighting can affect how colors appear in QC photos.
Stitching and construction
Look for even, consistent stitching with no loose threads, puckering, or uneven seams. Check all stress points like pockets, zippers, and collar edges.
Tags and labels
Interior tags should have correct fonts, text, and placement. Wash care labels should be accurate. Misspellings or wrong fonts are immediate red flags.
Hardware and accessories
Zippers, buttons, buckles, and other hardware should be the correct color, finish, and style. Check that zippers run smoothly.
Sole and outsole (for shoes)
Check sole thickness, color, texture, and any branding on the bottom. The sole is often where cheaper batches cut corners.
Packaging
While not always critical, correct packaging (box, tissue paper, dust bags) adds to the overall experience and can indicate batch quality.
Using Reference Photos Effectively
The key to good QC is having high-quality reference photos to compare against. Here's how to build a solid reference library:
For sneakers, use StockX, GOAT, and the brand's official website for retail reference photos. Reddit communities like r/Repsneakers have extensive QC threads with detailed breakdowns of specific batches.
For clothing, use the brand's official website, Grailed, and fashion blogs. Pay attention to photos taken in natural light, as these show colors most accurately.
When comparing, try to match the angle and lighting as closely as possible. A slight difference in lighting can make colors look very different, so don't reject based on color alone unless the difference is dramatic.
Common QC Red Flags
These are the most common issues to watch for:
When to Approve vs. Reject
The approve/reject decision isn't always black and white. Here's a framework for making the call:
Approve if: The item matches retail references closely in all major areas (logo, color, shape), minor differences are only visible under close inspection, the overall quality looks good for the price point, and the community has approved similar items from the same batch.
Reject if: There are obvious logo or font errors visible from a normal viewing distance, the color is significantly off from retail, there are construction defects like uneven stitching or glue marks, or the item looks noticeably different from the seller's listing photos.
When in doubt, post the QC photos to the community (Telegram, Discord, Reddit) and ask for opinions. Experienced buyers can often spot issues that beginners miss.
QC Rating System
Use this rating system to evaluate your QC photos: