KakoBuy QC Checklist: Complete Photo Review Guide

The QC Mindset: Assume There Is a Flaw

QC photos are your only protection in the KakoBuy buying process. Once you approve shipping, the item leaves the warehouse and cannot be returned. The correct mindset is not to look for reasons to approve, but to look for reasons to reject. Assume there is a flaw, and your job is to find it. If you cannot find anything after a thorough review, then approve. This approach sounds paranoid, but it is the standard practice among experienced buyers.

The most common mistake new buyers make is rushing through the QC photos. They open the first image, glance at it, and click approve. This is how disappointment happens. The correct approach is to open every image in full resolution, zoom in on the critical areas, and compare each detail against the batch notes you found in the spreadsheet. Take screenshots if you need to compare with reference images.

The Zoom Rule

Always open QC photos at full resolution and zoom in on the critical details. The thumbnail view hides flaws that are obvious at full size. On a desktop, open the image in a new tab. On mobile, pinch to zoom. Never approve based on the thumbnail view.

Shoes QC Checklist

Shoes are the most detail-sensitive category. The QC photos for shoes should show the toe box, heel, sides, tongue, insole, and sole. Each angle reveals different potential flaws. Use the checklist below to systematically review every pair.

Toe Box ShapeCheck the perforation pattern and overall shape. Compare against retail reference images.

Heel Tab ShapeMeasure the height and angle. Many batches have a heel tab that is slightly too tall or too short.

Sole ColorCheck the color temperature under natural light. Some batches have soles that are too translucent or too opaque.

Insole PrintVerify alignment and depth of the logo embossing. Misaligned insole prints are common.

Tongue TagCheck font spacing, placement, and overall proportions. Tag flaws are a common batch giveaway.

Stitch DensityLook at the stitching around the toe box, heel counter, and lace loops. Uneven stitching is a red flag.

Lace QualityCheck the lace thickness, tips, and color match against the shoe color.

Clothing QC Checklist

Clothing QC photos should show the front, back, sleeves, tags, and any printed graphics. The most important areas are the print alignment, the fabric weight, and the stitching quality. For hoodies and sweaters, also check the inside fleece texture. For t-shirts, check the collar ribbing and print opacity.

Print AlignmentMeasure the distance from the shoulder seam to the top of the print. Check for horizontal centering.

Print OpacityHold the fabric up to light in the photo if possible. Thin prints will show the fabric color through the ink.

Fabric WeightCompare the drape and thickness against the batch notes. Lighter fabric usually means a lower quality batch.

Tag AccuracyCheck the neck label, wash label, and hang tag. Font accuracy and language matter for high-tier batches.

Stitch QualityLook at the shoulder seams, hem, and sleeve cuffs. Loose threads and uneven stitching are common flaws.

Color MatchCompare the color against reference images. Some batches have color shifts that are obvious under natural light.

Accessories and Headwear QC Checklist

Accessories and headwear are small items that are often overlooked in QC, but they are actually the most detail-sensitive because they are seen up close. Caps need accurate embroidery density and panel shape. Beanies need correct knit patterns. Bags need accurate hardware and leather texture.

Embroidery DensityFor caps and bags, check the thread density and color accuracy. Loose threads are a giveaway.

Hardware WeightFor belts and bags, the metal hardware should feel solid. Hollow metal is a sign of a low-tier batch.

Logo PlacementCheck the exact position and alignment of logos against reference images. Even a few millimeters off is visible.

Material TextureFor leather items, check the grain consistency. For fabric items, check the weave pattern.

Strap AlignmentFor bags and caps, check that straps, buckles, and snaps are aligned correctly.

When to Request Additional Photos

If the standard QC photos are missing a critical angle, or if you need to see a specific detail more clearly, you can request additional photos from KakoBuy. The cost is usually minimal, often $0.50 to $1.00 per additional photo. Common requests include close-ups of the logo, the insole, the interior tag, or the hardware. If the standard photos are blurry or poorly lit, request retakes. The small cost of additional photos is nothing compared to the cost of receiving a flawed item.

KakoBuy QC Checklist: What to Look For in Every Photo