How to QC Your KakoBuy Order: The Complete 2025 Guide

What Are QC Photos and Why Do They Matter?

QC photos are professional photographs taken by KakoBuy's warehouse team after they receive your item from the seller. These photos document the actual condition of the product you'll receive — not the seller's listing photos, which may be stock images or heavily edited.

For W2C buyers, QC photos serve as your last line of defense before committing to international shipping. Once you approve and the item ships, returns become significantly more complicated and expensive. Taking the time to thoroughly review QC photos can save you from receiving a subpar product.

KakoBuy typically provides 5–15 photos per item, covering multiple angles, close-ups of logos and details, and comparison shots. For shoes, they'll photograph the upper, sole, tongue, insole, and any special details. For clothing, expect shots of the front, back, tags, stitching, and any graphic elements.

The QC Checklist: What to Inspect

Go through this checklist systematically for every item:

1. 1Overall shape and silhouette — Does the item match the reference? Check proportions, curves, and overall form against official product images.
2. 2Logo placement and accuracy — Measure logo position relative to seams or edges. Check font weight, letter spacing, and any embroidery or print quality.
3. 3Color accuracy — Compare under different lighting if possible. Ask for additional photos if the color looks off. Remember that camera settings can affect color rendering.
4. 4Stitching quality — Look for even, tight stitching throughout. Pay special attention to stress points like collar seams, pocket edges, and logo areas.
5. 5Material texture — While you can't feel it, look for consistent texture, no pilling, and appropriate sheen or matte finish.
6. 6Tags and labels — Check that all tags are present, correctly positioned, and accurately printed. Missing or incorrect tags are a common defect.
7. 7Hardware and accessories — For bags and accessories, inspect zippers, buckles, clasps, and any metal hardware for finish quality and alignment.
8. 8Sole and midsole (shoes) — Check sole pattern accuracy, midsole color consistency, and any special features like air units or boost foam.
9. 9Box and packaging — If you ordered with original box, verify the box condition, colorway label accuracy, and any included accessories.
10. 10Defects and damage — Look for any scratches, stains, loose threads, glue marks, or other physical defects.

Common QC Issues and How to Handle Them

Here are the most common QC issues W2C buyers encounter and the recommended actions:

Using Reference Photos for QC

QC Rating System: How to Score Your Item

Use this rating system to objectively evaluate your QC photos:

When to Accept vs. Reject

Making the accept/reject decision can be stressful. Here's a framework to help:

• Accept if: Minor cosmetic issues that won't be visible when worn, color is within acceptable range, all structural elements are correct.
• Accept if: The item matches reference photos at 85%+ accuracy and any differences are in non-critical areas.
• Reject if: Wrong colorway, wrong size, major logo defects, structural damage, or missing key elements.
• Reject if: The item looks significantly different from the listing photos or your expectations.
• Ask for more photos if: You're unsure about a specific area, lighting makes it hard to judge color, or you want to see a specific detail more clearly.
• Seek community input if: You're on the fence — post in Discord or Telegram for experienced opinions before deciding.
• Remember: Once you approve and the item ships, getting a refund or replacement becomes much harder. When in doubt, ask for more photos or reject.