What exactly are QC photos?
QC stands for Quality Check. When you buy a product through an agent, the Chinese seller sends it to the agent's warehouse. Before forwarding it to you in Spain, the agent takes photos of the actual product you bought and uploads them to your dashboard. These are photos of the physical item sitting in the warehouse, not the seller's stock photos.
These photos are your only chance to verify the quality before paying for international shipping. If something doesn't convince you, you can return the product to the seller (with local shipping costs) or request an exchange. Once you accept and the parcel leaves for Spain, returning it becomes extremely expensive and almost never worth it.
The GL/RL process: the most important decision
When your agent uploads the QC photos, you have to make a decision for each product:
- GL (Green Light): means "green light". You give the go-ahead, the product looks right to you and you authorize the agent to ship it to Spain. It's a final decision.
- RL (Red Light): means "red light". You reject the product because it has a defect or doesn't match what you expected. The agent will return it to the Chinese seller and you get your money back for the product (minus local shipping costs, which are usually 1-3 euros).
There's no middle button or "I'll decide later". It's GL or RL, black or white. That's why it's essential that you learn to review QC photos in depth before deciding.
What to look for in QC photos: the complete checklist
When you open your agent's QC photos, check every one of these points. Don't just glance at the overall photo and give GL because "it looks fine".
1. Logos and branding
Is the logo properly positioned? Is it the right size? Is it centered? Compare with photos of the original product (the so-called "reference photos" or retail) to verify that the placement, size and typography of the logo match. A crooked or misplaced logo is one of the most common signs of poor quality.
2. Stitching and finishing
Zoom in as much as you can. Stitching should be straight, uniform and free of loose threads. On sneakers, check the seam between the sole and the upper: if you see glue overflowing or gaps, it's an instant RL. On clothing, make sure hems are neatly finished and there are no unstitched seams.
3. Materials and textures
Pay attention to the sheen, the drape of the fabric and the overall texture. Does the material look quality or does it look cheap and plasticky? Warehouse lighting can be deceiving, but if you see odd glints or textures that don't add up, ask for extra photos with better light.
4. Measurements with the ruler
Many agents include a photo of the product next to a ruler or measuring tape. It's your best tool. Measure in the photo:
- The insole of the sneakers: compare it with your foot measurement in centimeters. Don't trust the EU size on the label.
- The length and width of a garment: compare it with a t-shirt or hoodie you already own that fits you well.
- The dimensions of accessories: backpacks, bags, caps. Don't end up with a backpack that looked huge in the photo but turns out to be miniature.
5. Real vs. expected colors
Chinese warehouse lighting tends to be cold and flat. A product that looks navy blue in the QC photo can be almost black in real life. If color matters to you, ask the agent for a photo in natural light or next to a color chart.
How many QC photos does each agent provide?
Not all agents offer the same number of free photos. Here's the current comparison:
- Kakobuy: 5 free QC photos per product. You can request extra photos for a small supplement. They usually include a ruler photo by default.
- USFans: 3 free QC photos. Additional photos cost extra. The photos are good quality but somewhat less detailed.
- Litbuy: 3 free QC photos. They also offer the option of buying an "extended QC package" with more angles.
If you buy expensive products (over 50 euros), it's worth paying for extra photos. The cost is usually 1-2 euros per additional photo and can make the difference between catching a defect or not.
Red flags: when to RL without hesitating
There are situations where you shouldn't think twice before rejecting a product:
- Visible stains, tears or damage: even if they're small, don't accept damaged products. Ask for a refund.
- The product looks nothing like the seller's photos: if you ordered a blue t-shirt and a green one arrives, or the design is completely different, instant RL.
- The size label doesn't match what you ordered: if you ordered a size L and the label says M, reject it even if it "looks big". Chinese sizes already run small to begin with.
- The insole measurement doesn't fit your foot: this is the number one reason for returns. Always measure, never assume.
- It smells like a scam: if the price was suspiciously low and the quality is terrible, you've probably been sent anything at all. RL and move on.
How to measure using QC photos
The most reliable technique for getting sizes right is using the insole photo with a ruler. When the agent places the insole next to a measuring tape, you can see exactly how many centimeters it measures. Compare it with your own foot measurement:
- Stand on a sheet of paper and mark your heel and the tip of your longest toe.
- Measure the distance between the two marks in centimeters.
- Add between 0.5 and 1 cm of room so the sneaker doesn't squeeze your foot.
- Look for the insole measurement in the QC photo and check that it matches your foot plus the room.
And remember: never trust the size on the label. A Chinese sneaker labeled "EU 43" can have an insole of 27 cm, 28 cm or even 29 cm. The ruler doesn't lie; the label does.
Want more information? Check out our China-EU size guide or learn how to buy step by step with our recommended agents.