KakoBuy QC Guide: How to Check Quality Control Photos

Quality Control (QC) photos are your only chance to catch issues before your items ship internationally. This guide teaches you how to evaluate them properly.

What Are QC Photos?

After your items arrive at the KakoBuy warehouse, they photograph them from multiple angles. You review these photos and decide whether to approve (GL - Green Light) or return (RL - Red Light).

Why QC Photos Matter

- International returns are expensive: $10-30 per item

- Fixing issues locally is hard: No warranty on reps

- Your only inspection chance: Before shipping

- Saves money long-term: Better to return than keep a bad item

How to Request Better QC Photos

Standard QC includes 3-5 photos. You can request:

- Specific angles: Side, back, bottom, insole

- Close-ups: Logo, stitching, tags

- Measurements: Insole, chest, length

- Comparison: Next to a ruler or coin

Request within 24 hours of QC being posted. After that, the item may already be packed.

What to Check on Shoes

1. Shape: Compare to retail photos on Google

2. Toe box: Should not be too thick or too flat

3. Heel: Check height, shape, and stitching

4. Swoosh/logo: Placement, thickness, and angle

5. Stitching: Consistent, straight, no loose threads

6. Color: Should match retail (check in natural lighting)

7. Materials: Leather texture, mesh quality, sole feel

8. Laces: Quality, aglets, length

9. Insole: Print quality, thickness, comfort

10. Box: If included, check label and condition

What to Check on Clothing

1. Print: Alignment, color accuracy, sharpness

2. Stitching: Even, no loose threads, correct thread color

3. Labels: Font accuracy, placement, stitching

4. Fabric: Weight, feel, drape (check in photos)

5. Fit: Compare measurements to size chart

6. Hardware: Zippers, buttons, snaps (if applicable)

7. Pockets: Alignment, depth, construction

8. Hem: Even stitching, proper width

9. Cuffs: Ribbing quality, elasticity

10. Interior: Fleece quality, seam finishing

Common QC Red Flags

| Issue | Severity | Action |

|-------|----------|--------|

| Wrong color | High | RL immediately |

| Major stitching flaws | High | RL |

| Logo misplacement | Medium | Ask for close-up |

| Minor glue stains | Low | GL if fixable |

| Slight color difference | Low | Compare to batch |

| Box damage | Low | GL if item is fine |

Using Reference Photos

Always compare QC to retail:

1. Search "[item name] retail" on Google Images

2. Check the brand's official website

3. Look for detailed retail photos on StockX, GOAT

4. Compare multiple angles

When to GL vs RL

GL (Green Light) when:

- Item matches batch expectations

- Flaws are minor and acceptable

- Price is appropriate for quality level

- No major callouts visible

RL (Red Light) when:

- Wrong item or color

- Major stitching or construction issues

- Logo is significantly off

- Size is wrong

- Seller sent different batch than ordered

Getting Second Opinions

Post your QC on Reddit:

- r/kakobuy for general items

- r/Repsneakers for shoes

- r/FashionReps for clothing

Include:

- W2C link or seller name

- Batch name

- Price paid

- Your own assessment

What Happens After RL

1. KakoBuy contacts seller for exchange

2. Seller sends replacement to warehouse

3. New QC photos are taken

4. Process repeats until you GL or request refund

Note: Some sellers charge a return fee ($2-5). Check before ordering.

QC Checklist Summary

Before approving any item:

- [ ] Compared to retail photos

- [ ] Checked all critical points for the item type

- [ ] Reviewed stitching quality

- [ ] Verified color accuracy

- [ ] Confirmed size measurements

- [ ] Posted on Reddit for second opinion (if unsure)

- [ ] Understand that minor flaws are normal on reps

Final Tips

- Be picky, not unreasonable: Perfect reps do not exist

- Know your batch: Research expected flaws before ordering

- Save photos: Keep QC photos for comparison when item arrives

- Trust experienced voices: On Reddit, check user history for expertise

- Act quickly: Do not let QC sit for days - items get packed

Proper QC checking is the #1 skill for successful replica buying. Take your time, do your research, and make informed decisions.