How to QC Your Reps: A Beginner's Guide
Why QC Photos Matter More Than Anything
QC (Quality Control) photos are the single most important step in the rep buying process. They are your agent's way of showing you exactly what you are getting before it leaves the warehouse. Once an item ships internationally, returning it becomes expensive and time-consuming. A thorough QC review saves money, frustration, and disappointment.
This guide breaks down exactly what to look for, photo by photo, so you can confidently approve or reject items. We will cover sneakers, clothing, and accessories with specific checkpoints for each category.
The QC Photo Checklist
Request these angles from your agent. Most agents provide 5–8 photos by default, but asking for specifics is always worth it.
Sneaker QC Checklist
- Toe Box: Shape should match retail — not too flat, not too bulbous.
- Swoosh/Logo: Placement, angle, and thickness must align with reference photos.
- Stitching: Even spacing, straight lines, no loose threads. Double-check heel stitching.
- Midsole: Texture, paint lines, and foam density should look correct.
- Insole: Logo print should be crisp, not blurry. Size tag text should be sharp.
- Shape (side profile): The overall silhouette from the side is the #1 callout. Compare to retail side-by-side.
Clothing QC Checklist
- Labels: Font, spacing, and placement. Check neck tags and wash tags.
- Stitching: Should be consistent. No skipped stitches or loose thread ends.
- Print/Embroidery: Screen prints should feel slightly raised. Embroidery should have clean edges.
- Hardware: Zippers should be YKK or branded. Drawstring tips should match retail material.
- Material: Request a close-up of the fabric texture. Compare to retail photos online.
Using Reference Photos
Always have retail reference photos open in a second tab when doing QC. The r/Sneakers and brand-specific subreddits have high-resolution retail photos that are perfect for comparison. For clothing, check Grailed or StockX listing photos for detailed close-ups.
Pro tip: Do not rely on memory. Our brains are surprisingly bad at recalling small details. Side-by-side comparison is the only reliable method.
When to GL (Green Light) vs RL (Red Light)
| Issue | Severity | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Minor stitching inconsistency on inner lining | Low | GL — no one will see it |
| Swoosh placement 2mm too high | Medium | GL if on foot — unnoticeable |
| Wrong color shade on toe box | High | RL — request exchange |
| Misspelled brand name on label | Critical | RL immediately |
