Litbuy QC Guide: How to Review Quality Control Photos

Litbuy QC Guide: Reviewing Quality Control Photos

Quality control photos are the single most important step in the Litbuy buying process. This guide walks you through exactly what to check, how to evaluate what you see, and when to accept or reject.

What Are QC Photos?

When you place an order through the Litbuy spreadsheet, the warehouse photographs your specific item before shipping it. These are not stock photos — they are photos of the actual piece that will be sent to you.

You review these photos and either approve them (triggering shipment) or reject them (requesting a replacement, adjustment, or refund). This step is why the Litbuy process is more transparent than traditional e-commerce — you see your item before it leaves the warehouse.

How to Request QC Photos

After payment confirmation, wait for the warehouse processing period (usually 1–3 days). Your order tracking should show a status change when QC photos are ready. Most sellers send photos through the order portal or by email.

If you do not receive photos within 5 days of payment, contact support with your order number and explicitly request QC documentation.

What to Look For — Category by Category

Shoes

• Sole: Check for uneven glue lines, correct tread pattern, consistent color
• Upper: Stitching around the toe cap and heel collar should be even and tight
• Logo: Correct placement, correct dimensions, embroidery density
• Insole: Correct branding, clean appearance

Clothing (T-Shirts, Hoodies, Jackets)

• Shape: Item should lay flat without pulling or puckering
• Seams: Shoulder seams and side seams should be straight and consistent
• Print or embroidery: Centered, sharp edges, correct color
• Tags: Neck and size tags present and accurately positioned

Jerseys

• Number and name: Stitched vs printed as specified, alignment accurate
• Neck tag: Should match the specific league and season
• Mesh panels: Consistent weave with no pulled threads
• Color: Compare against the official reference, not just memory

Accessories

• Hardware: Weight and finish consistency (metal vs plastic feel)
• Stitching: Even spacing along handles and straps
• Logo: Correct font, correct size, correct placement
• Closure: Zippers, clasps, and snaps should operate smoothly

The Lighting Problem

One of the most common QC photo issues is misleading lighting. Warm artificial lighting makes colors appear richer and more accurate than they are under real-world conditions. To get a more accurate read:

1. Compare against the catalog photo under your device's standard display settings

2. Look for a neutral white or gray background in the QC photo (avoids color casts)

3. If you cannot tell, ask for a photo under natural light or with a white sheet nearby for reference

When to Accept

Minor imperfections that do not affect the overall quality or appearance are normal and acceptable. Accept if:

• Color is 90%+ accurate to the catalog photo
• Stitching is consistent with no visible loose threads
• All tags are present and correctly labeled
• No structural issues (sole separation, zipper failure, torn panels)

When to Reject

Reject and request a replacement or refund if:

• Color is significantly different from what was described
• Logo is misaligned, incorrectly sized, or visibly different
• Size label does not match what you ordered
• Stitching has loose threads, gaps, or uneven density
• Soles show glue residue or have separation at the edge

What to Say When You Reject

Be specific. Vague rejections slow down resolution. Instead of "this looks wrong," say:

• "The right shoe logo is 2cm lower than the left. Please check and send a pair with matching logo placement."
• "The jacket color appears olive green in the QC photos but the catalog description says black. Please confirm the color under natural light."

Specific, documented feedback gets faster and better resolution.

After QC Approval

Once you approve QC photos, the item ships within 1–2 business days. You receive a tracking number by email or in the order portal. Standard shipping to the US takes 2–4 weeks from ship date.

QC photos are not an obstacle — they are the feature that makes Litbuy more reliable than traditional online retail.