KakoBuy QC Guide: How to Check Quality Control Photos
Guide2026-04-208 min

KakoBuy QC Guide: How to Check Quality Control Photos

QC photos are your only chance to inspect the item before it ships internationally. This guide teaches you what to look for, how to compare against retail, and when to greenlight or redlight your order.

What Are QC Photos?

QC stands for Quality Control. When your item arrives at the KakoBuy warehouse, the agent takes photos and uploads them to your order page. These photos are your only chance to inspect the item before it ships internationally. Once you approve the photos, the item is packed and sent. If you miss a flaw, you cannot return it easily.

What to Check on Shoes

Shoes are the most commonly QC'd items. Start with the overall shape. Then check the toe box, heel counter, swoosh placement, and tongue tag. Compare each element to retail reference photos you can find on Reddit or sneaker databases.

Toe box shape and perforation pattern

Should match the retail reference

Heel counter height and shape

Often the first flaw on budget batches

Swoosh or logo placement

Should be centered and at the correct angle

Tongue tag text and spacing

Font should match retail closely

Outsole color and texture

Budget batches sometimes use wrong rubber tone

Interior size label and insole

Check for correct sizing and branding

What to Check on Clothing

For hoodies and t-shirts, check the blank weight, print alignment, neck tag font, and stitching quality. The back print is often the hardest to get right. Request an extra photo of the back if it is not included in the default QC set.

When to Greenlight vs Redlight

Greenlight means approve the item for shipping. Redlight means request an exchange or refund. Minor stitching flaws on the inside are usually acceptable. Major shape differences, wrong colors, or missing branding are redlight reasons. When in doubt, post the photos on Reddit and ask the community.

Greenlight
Do

Minor interior stitching, slight color variance in photos, small glue stains

Avoid

Major shape difference, wrong colorway, missing logo, wrong material

Redlight
Do

Wrong size, missing parts, significant shape flaw

Avoid

Minor imperfections that are not visible when worn

Frequently Asked Questions

What is QC in KakoBuy?

QC stands for Quality Control. The agent takes photos of your item at the warehouse so you can inspect it before it ships internationally.

How do I request extra QC photos?

Submit a request through the agent's order page. Some agents charge a small fee for extra photos. It is usually worth it for high-value items.

Can I return an item after greenlighting?

No. Once you approve the QC photos, the item is packed and shipped. Returns are extremely difficult after international shipping begins.

Ready to Browse the Full Catalog?

Use the KakoBuy Spreadsheet to find the right seller, then jump to the full catalog to complete your order.