QC QC guide · updated 2026-11-05
QC CNFans: A 7-Point Check Before You Buy
QC photos are evidence, not marketing. They are taken in warehouse light, usually on a table, and they show the actual piece before it leaves China. The skill is knowing where to look first.
Examples
What a QC set should include
These listings have live images on kakox.com. Use them to practise the checks below.
What QC photos are — and are not
They are photos of the item after domestic delivery to the warehouse. They show the real colour, the real stitching and the real shape. They are not a fit test, a durability test or a guarantee that the item matches every claim in the listing.
Treat them as a defect check. Your job is to catch the obvious problem before the parcel leaves China, because returning it from your country is usually more expensive than the item.
The 7-point check
- Stitching: density, straightness and loose threads. Look at the cuff, collar and strap joins, not just the front.
- Symmetry: compare left and right, pocket heights, collar points and logo placement.
- Hardware: zip smoothness, buckle weight, rivet alignment and colour consistency.
- Material: grain, pile, sheen and stiffness. A glossy “leather” that creases like plastic is a skip.
- Measurements: ask for a tape measure in the shot. Chest, waist, inseam or insole, depending on the item.
- Weight: compare with the listing or a known pair. A hollow bag or a light puffer is a warning.
- Packaging: box, dust bag, tags and protection. It tells you how the seller treats the product.
Defect dictionary
| Term | What it looks like | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Loose thread | Unfinished thread hanging from a seam | All |
| Glue stain | Yellow residue at the sole join | Shoes |
| Asymmetry | One collar or pocket sits higher | Tops |
| Baffle gap | A flat channel between filled ones | Down jackets |
| Off-grain | Print or pattern runs diagonally | Tees, bags |
| Hardware mismatch | Zip and buckle in different tones | Bags |
| Sole paint bleed | Midsole paint on the upper | Shoes |
Six red flags
- Photos that only show the front and never the inside
- A tape measure that is not visible in any shot
- The same background and angle for every “different” item
- A price far below the batch it claims to be
- A seller who refuses an extra photo request
- A size chart that changes after you ask about it
How to request better photos
Ask for three specific shots: the area you are worried about, a measurement with the tape visible, and the inside label. Specific requests get specific answers. If the agent charges for extra photos, it is usually worth it on shoes, bags and outerwear; on a $15 tee, the standard set is enough.
What QC cannot tell you
It cannot tell you how the item feels after a month, how the colour looks in daylight, or whether the sizing will suit your body. It is a defect check, not a trial. Use it to catch the obvious problems, then rely on the seller’s return policy for everything else.
FAQ
QC questions buyers actually ask
What do CNFans QC photos actually show?
Warehouse photos of the item after it arrives from the seller, usually on a table under neutral light. They show the actual piece, not the seller’s studio image, but they are not a laboratory test.
How long do I have to request extra photos?
Treat 24–48 hours after the item reaches the warehouse as the safe window. Check your agent’s storage policy before ordering.
Can QC catch every defect?
No. It catches visible issues: stitching, symmetry, hardware, colour and obvious damage. It cannot tell you how the item feels after a month or how it fits your body.
What is a batch flaw?
A defect that repeats across a production run, such as a high toe box or uneven baffles. It is different from a one-off damaged item.
Open the live listings and check the QC
Browse the same categories on kakox.com, compare prices and complete the purchase with a supported agent.