Litbuy QC Checklist: What to Inspect Before You Ship
Quality control is the most important step in the buying process. It is your only chance to catch problems before the item leaves the warehouse. This guide provides a comprehensive checklist for every major category, explains how to compare QC photos against reference images, and tells you exactly when to request an exchange.
Why QC Matters More Than Price
Many buyers focus on finding the lowest price and skip the QC step to save time. This is backwards. A low price with a bad QC is worse than a higher price with a perfect QC. The QC step is your insurance policy. It costs you nothing but a few minutes of review, and it can save you from receiving an item you will never wear.
Sellers want to ship quickly. If you do not review the QC photos within 24 hours, they may assume you approve and send the package. Set a notification or check your messages frequently after ordering.
General QC Principles for Every Category
The Four-Step QC Process
Request Multiple Angles
Ask the seller for photos from the front, back, sides, top, bottom, and close-ups of any detail areas. One photo is never enough.
Use Natural Light Reference
QC photos taken under warehouse lighting can hide color differences. Ask for a photo near a window or under daylight conditions if possible.
Compare Against Reference
Open a reference image of the authentic item on your phone and compare side by side. Look for shape differences, color shifts, and detail accuracy.
Check the Details Others Skip
Tags, inner labels, stitching on the reverse side, and packaging are often where flaws appear. Do not just look at the outside.
Category-Specific QC Checklists
What to Check by Category
Shoes
Hoodies
Jackets
T-Shirts
When to Request an Exchange
Not every flaw is worth an exchange. A slightly uneven stitch on the inside of a hoodie is different from a misaligned logo on the front. Use this rule: if the flaw is visible when you wear the item, request an exchange. If the flaw is hidden and does not affect the look or function, consider whether it is worth the delay.
Be polite but clear when requesting an exchange. Describe the flaw with specific language and reference the photo number. 'The left swoosh is 2mm higher than the right, as shown in photo 3' is better than 'this looks wrong.' The more specific you are, the faster the seller can fix it.
Red Flags That Always Require an Exchange
The item is a noticeably different color from the reference photos, even accounting for lighting differences.
The item is labeled with your size but measures significantly differently from the sizing chart.
A key feature from the reference is completely absent, such as a logo, pocket, or hardware piece.
Tears, holes, or broken stitching that will worsen with wear.
You ordered a specific batch and received a completely different product or batch code.
How to Take Your Own QC Photos on Arrival
When your item arrives, take your own photos in natural light before you wear it. Document any flaws you notice. This is useful for community feedback, resale documentation, and dispute resolution. A good arrival photo set includes: the item in the packaging, full front and back views, close-ups of any detail areas, and a comparison shot against a reference image if you have one.
Share your arrival photos in the community threads. This feedback loop is what makes the spreadsheet accurate over time. Your photos help the next buyer make a better decision.