The Complete ACBuy QC Guide: How to Quality Check Every Item Before It Ships

Why QC Photos Matter More Than You Think

Many beginners skip QC or give it only a cursory glance. This is a mistake. QC photos are taken by ACBuy staff under controlled lighting, and they capture details that the seller's listing photos often hide or enhance. A good QC review takes 10-15 minutes per item and can reveal issues like incorrect colorways, poor stitching, wrong font weights on logos, and sizing inconsistencies. The W2C community has developed a sophisticated QC culture over the years. Experienced buyers know exactly what to look for on each type of product, and they share this knowledge freely on Reddit, Telegram, and Discord. The ACBuy Spreadsheet community is particularly active in sharing QC tips and batch reviews — join our Telegram to access this knowledge base.

QC Checklist: Sneakers & Shoes

Shoes are the most QC-intensive category. Work through this checklist systematically:

1. 1Overall shape: Compare the silhouette to retail reference photos. Check toe box shape, collar height, and heel counter.
2. 2Sole unit: Examine the outsole pattern, midsole color, and any text/branding on the sole.
3. 3Upper material: Check texture, color accuracy, and any perforations or overlays.
4. 4Logo/branding: Verify font weight, spacing, and placement against retail references.
5. 5Laces: Check color, texture, and aglet quality.
6. 6Insole: Look for correct branding, cushioning, and any size markings.
7. 7Stitching: Examine all seams for consistency, especially around the toe box and heel.
8. 8Size tag: Verify the size matches what you ordered and the font/format is correct.
9. 9Box (if included): Check box label, tissue paper, and any extras like extra laces.

QC Checklist: Hoodies & Sweatshirts

Clothing QC focuses on print quality, construction, and material:

1. 1Print/embroidery: Check sharpness, color accuracy, and placement against reference photos.
2. 2Font accuracy: Logo fonts are often the easiest way to spot a poor batch.
3. 3Material weight: Request a weight measurement if the seller provides it — compare to retail specs.
4. 4Stitching: Check all seams, especially around the hood, cuffs, and hem.
5. 5Zipper (if applicable): Test that it's smooth and the pull matches the retail version.
6. 6Tags: Check placement, font, and content of all tags (neck, care, size).
7. 7Color: Compare to your reference photos under the QC lighting.
8. 8Measurements: Request measurements if sizing is critical for you.

Understanding QC Photo Lighting

ACBuy warehouse lighting can affect how items appear in QC photos:

• Colors often appear slightly different under warehouse fluorescent lighting — account for this when comparing to retail photos.
• Request outdoor/natural light photos if you're unsure about color accuracy.
• Glossy materials (patent leather, metallic fabrics) can look different under direct lighting.
• Dark colors (black, navy) can appear lighter in QC photos — this is usually just the lighting.
• If you're unsure, ask in the community Telegram before approving or rejecting.

How to Request a Reshoot

ACBuy allows one free reshoot per item. To request a reshoot, go to your order in the ACBuy dashboard, find the QC section, and submit a reshoot request with specific instructions. Be clear about what you want to see — for example: "Please photograph the left shoe sole from directly below" or "Please show the neck tag close-up with flash off." Reshoots typically take 1-2 business days. Use this opportunity wisely — request angles that will answer your specific questions about the item. The community on Telegram can help you decide if a reshoot is necessary or if the item looks acceptable based on the existing photos.

When to Reject an Item

Knowing when to reject is as important as knowing what to look for:

Frequently Asked Questions