How to check QC photos before you ship

QC means quality check. When your item arrives at the agent's warehouse, it is photographed from several sides. Those photos are your one chance to catch a problem while a return is still easy.

People reply "GL" (green light: ship it) or "RL" (red light: return or exchange it). You don't need anyone else to tell you. Here's what to check.

Every item

• Right item, colour and size. Compare with what you ordered. Mix-ups happen.
• Damage. Stains, holes, loose threads, glue marks, scratches.
• The tag. The size on the tag, not only the size on the order.

Shoes

• Shape. Look at the toe box and the heel from the side photo. These give most reps away.
• Stitching. Even and straight along the panels, no doubled lines.
• Logo placement. Swooshes, stripes and patches at the same height on both shoes.
• Glue. A little is normal. Thick glue stains along the sole are worth an exchange.

Hoodies, tees and jackets

• Print and embroidery. Letter spacing, thickness and position against a retail photo.
• Colour. Warehouse lighting changes colours, so compare several of your photos, and the seller's pictures, before you decide the colour is wrong.
• Measurements. Many warehouses lay the item flat next to a ruler. Compare with a piece you own.

Bags and accessories

• Hardware. Zippers, buckles and engravings: clean edges and the right font.
• Leather and canvas pattern. The pattern should line up at the seams.

When to return

Return or exchange when the item is the wrong size or colour, damaged, or clearly different from the listing. Small flaws that nobody will see from a metre away are usually not worth the wait. Decide fast: agents have limited free storage and sellers have return windows.