Litbuy QC Checklist: How to Inspect Before You Approve

General QC Principles for All Categories

Before diving into category-specific checks, understand these universal principles. First, always compare QC photos to reference images in the spreadsheet. The reference images show what the product should look like. The QC photos show what you will actually receive. Any significant difference is grounds for rejection.

Second, check photos under different lighting conditions. Warehouse lighting is often harsh and yellow. If the color looks slightly off, ask for a photo in natural light. Third, inspect the packaging. A damaged box can indicate rough handling that may have affected the product. Fourth, verify the item tag and label. Incorrect tags are a common replica flaw and often the easiest to spot.

• Compare QC photos to reference images in the spreadsheet
• Request natural light photos if color looks questionable
• Inspect packaging for damage from rough handling
• Verify item tags, labels, and branding accuracy
• Check for stains, glue marks, or structural defects
• Confirm size matches your order and the size chart

Shoes QC Checklist

Shoes are the highest-value category and therefore the most important to inspect carefully. The toe box shape is the first thing to check. Compare it to the reference image. A toe box that is too round or too pointy is a common batch flaw. Next, inspect the stitching alignment. The stitching should follow the curves of the shoe cleanly without wandering.

The sole color is critical. Many replica flaws are only visible in the sole shade. Compare the sole to the reference under the same lighting. The tongue tag and heel tab should have correct font and spacing. Even small differences in font weight are a giveaway. Finally, check for glue stains on the midsole and upper connection points. Glue stains are the most common defect in replica shoes.

• Check toe box shape against reference images
• Verify stitching alignment along all seams
• Compare sole color under consistent lighting
• Inspect tongue tag and heel tab for font accuracy
• Confirm lace color and length match reference
• Look for glue stains on midsole and upper joints
• Check insole branding and stitching quality
• Verify overall silhouette matches retail shape

Apparel QC Checklist (Hoodies, T-Shirts, Jackets)

Apparel QC focuses on fabric weight, stitching quality, and print accuracy. For hoodies, check the inside fleece texture. Good fleece should be consistent and fluffy. Clumpy or thin fleece indicates poor quality. For t-shirts, check the neckline ribbing. A good collar is 1.5 to 2 cm wide and should snap back when stretched.

For jackets, the zipper is critical. YKK zippers are the standard. Test the zipper movement in the QC photos if possible. For printed graphics, check the ink distribution. Screen prints should have even coverage with no air bubbles or cracks. For embroidered logos, check the thread density and alignment. Loose embroidery unravels quickly and looks cheap.

• Check fabric weight and texture against category standards
• Inspect neckline ribbing for width and elasticity
• Verify print quality for even ink distribution
• Check embroidery density and thread alignment
• Inspect zipper brand and movement for jackets
• Confirm hem stitching is double-stitched for durability
• Check for loose threads or skipped stitches
• Verify color accuracy under natural light reference

Accessories and Headwear QC

Accessories have unique QC points. For bags, check the hardware weight and smoothness. Zippers should glide easily. Clasps should snap firmly. For sunglasses, check the hinge tension. Loose hinges mean the glasses will slide down your nose. For belts, check the hole punching quality. Clean, round holes indicate good manufacturing.

For headwear, the panel shape is critical. A structured cap should hold its shape when placed on a flat surface. For beanies, check the rib length. A longer rib gives better fold and fit. For jewelry, check the clasp mechanism. Weak clasps are the most common failure point. Also verify the metal weight. Good pieces feel solid; hollow pieces feel cheap.

• For bags: check hardware weight, zipper smoothness, and clasp firmness
• For sunglasses: verify hinge tension and lens tint uniformity
• For belts: inspect hole punching quality and buckle mechanism
• For caps: confirm structured panels hold their shape
• For beanies: check rib length and fabric consistency
• For jewelry: verify clasp strength and overall metal weight

When to Reject vs. When to Approve

Not every minor flaw is worth rejecting. Learn to distinguish between cosmetic issues and structural problems. A single loose thread can be trimmed. A crooked logo is a permanent flaw. A small glue stain on the sole might be acceptable. A misaligned midsole is not.

As a general rule: reject if the flaw affects the item's appearance from normal viewing distance, if the flaw indicates poor construction that will worsen over time, or if the flaw is clearly different from the reference images. Approve if the flaw is minor, fixable, and does not affect the overall look or durability. When in doubt, ask the community for a second opinion before deciding.