OopBuy QC Photos Guide 2026 – How to Check Quality Before Shipping

Ordering from Chinese marketplaces like Taobao, Weidian, and 1688 is exciting, but it also comes with uncertainty. You cannot physically inspect what you are buying before it ships halfway around the world. That is exactly where QC photos come in. They are one of the most important features any shopping agent offers, and OopBuy does them especially well.

In this guide we explain everything you need to know about OopBuy QC (quality check) photos — what they are, how they work, what to look for, and what to do when something does not look right. Whether you are ordering your first pair of sneakers or building a multi-item haul, this article will help you shop with confidence.

What Are QC Photos?

QC stands for quality check (sometimes called quality control). QC photos are pictures taken of your items after they arrive at the agent’s warehouse in China but before they are shipped internationally to you. They serve as your eyes on the ground, allowing you to inspect the product remotely and decide whether you want to keep it, exchange it, or return it to the seller.

Without QC photos you would be shipping items blindly, with no way to catch defects, wrong sizes, incorrect colors, or missing accessories until the parcel lands at your doorstep — at which point returning is expensive and complicated. QC photos eliminate that risk almost entirely.

How OopBuy QC Photos Work

OopBuy provides free QC photos for every item that arrives at their warehouse. You do not have to request them — the warehouse staff automatically photographs each product as part of the intake process. Here is how the workflow looks in practice:

You place an order through OopBuy using a Taobao, Weidian, or 1688 link.
OopBuy purchases the item from the Chinese seller on your behalf.
The seller ships the item to OopBuy’s warehouse (usually 2–5 business days).
Warehouse staff receive the item, photograph it from multiple angles, weigh it, and upload the QC images to your account.
You review the photos in your OopBuy dashboard and decide whether to ship, exchange, or return.

The standard free QC package includes several photos covering front, back, and side views, plus a weight measurement shot. The images are taken in good lighting at a resolution high enough to zoom in on details. Compared to some competing agents, OopBuy’s free photos are notably clearer and more consistent.

What to Look for in QC Photos

Knowing what to inspect is just as important as having photos in the first place. Here are the key areas to check for any item category:

Stitching:Look for even, straight stitching lines. Loose threads, uneven gaps, or skipped stitches can indicate poor craftsmanship.
Labels & Tags:Verify that brand labels, size tags, and wash-care tags are present and correctly positioned. Compare them against reference images if possible.
Materials:Check that the material looks consistent with the listing — leather should look like leather, suede should have a visible nap, and fabric should not appear thin or flimsy.
Colors:Compare the color in the QC photo to the product listing. Keep in mind that warehouse lighting may shift tones slightly, but major discrepancies are a red flag.
Shape & Structure:For sneakers, bags, and structured garments, check that the overall shape matches the expected silhouette. Crooked toe boxes, collapsed structures, or asymmetric proportions are common defects.
Weight:OopBuy includes a weight shot. Compare it to the seller’s listed weight. A significantly lighter item might mean cheaper materials or missing components.

How to Request Additional or Detailed QC Photos

Sometimes the free standard photos are not enough. Maybe you need a close-up of a logo embossment, a detailed shot of the sole pattern, or a measurement with a ruler. OopBuy makes it easy to request additional photos:

Navigate to the item in your warehouse dashboard.
Click the “Request Detailed Photos” option.
Describe exactly what you want to see — for example, “close-up of the back heel logo” or “measurement of insole length in cm.”
The warehouse team fulfills the request, usually within a few hours.

OopBuy’s detailed photo service is affordable, and the turnaround time is typically much faster than competing agents. Being specific in your request helps the staff deliver exactly the shots you need on the first attempt.

Common QC Photo Red Flags

Over time you will develop an eye for spotting issues quickly. Here are the most common red flags that should make you think twice about shipping an item:

1.Wrong color or pattern: The item looks noticeably different from the listing photos. A slight variation due to lighting is normal, but a completely different shade is not.
2.Visible glue stains or marks: Excess glue around soles or seams is a sign of sloppy construction, especially on sneakers.
3.Crooked or misaligned logos: Logos, text, or embroidery that sit off-center or at an angle indicate quality issues.
4.Uneven or missing stitching: Broken stitch lines, exposed seams, or entirely missing stitching on critical areas like zippers or straps.
5.Significant weight discrepancy: If the item weighs much less than the listing states, the seller may have used inferior materials or skipped components.
6.Wrong size or missing accessories: Always verify that the size matches what you ordered and that any expected extras (dust bag, extra laces, box) are present.

What to Do If QC Reveals Issues

If you spot a problem during your QC review, do not panic. OopBuy offers straightforward options for handling defective or unsatisfactory items:

Return:If the item is clearly defective, the wrong product, or significantly different from the listing, you can request a return to the seller. OopBuy’s team will handle the communication with the seller and process the refund to your account balance. Many returns for defective items are free.
Exchange:If the issue is a wrong size or color but the item quality itself is fine, you can request an exchange. The seller ships a replacement to the warehouse, and you receive new QC photos to verify.
Ship Anyway:Sometimes a minor flaw is acceptable and not worth the time of a return. In that case, simply proceed with shipping. The choice is always yours.

The key advantage of QC photos is that you make these decisions before paying for international shipping, saving both money and frustration.

QC Tips by Product Category

Different item types require different inspection approaches. Here is what to focus on for the most popular categories:

Sneakers

Sneakers are one of the most QC-intensive categories. Check the toe box shape for symmetry between the left and right shoe. Inspect the midsole for even paint lines and clean glue work. Look at the heel tab and tongue alignment. Request a close-up of any embossed or printed logos. If the sneaker has an air unit or visible technology, check that it is correctly positioned. Always verify the shoe size on the insole or size tag matches your order.

Clothing

For clothing items, focus on the print or embroidery quality — check for clean lines, correct colors, and proper placement. Inspect the collar, cuffs, and hemlines for even stitching. Verify that buttons, zippers, and other hardware function properly and look consistent. Check the size tag against the seller’s size chart. Fabric quality can be harder to judge from photos alone, but you can usually tell if material appears thin or has a cheap sheen.

Bags

With bags, stitching is paramount — look for straight, evenly spaced stitches along handles, straps, and the body of the bag. Check hardware (zippers, clasps, buckles) for consistent color and clean finish. For structured bags, verify the shape holds properly and is not collapsing. Inspect the interior lining through any available photos and verify the brand logo positioning and font.

Accessories (Watches, Jewelry, Belts)

Accessories are typically smaller items where details matter enormously. Request close-up photos of engravings, clasps, and any branding. For watches, check the dial alignment, bezel markings, and strap quality. For belts, inspect the buckle finish and the leather grain pattern. Jewelry should be checked for tarnishing, stone security, and clasp function.

Ready to Start Shopping?

Now that you know how to use QC photos like a pro, it is time to build your haul. Browse our OopBuy Spreadsheet with over 1,000 hand-picked finds and verified seller links. If you are new to buying from Chinese marketplaces, start with our How to Buy from Taobao with OopBuy guide for a complete step-by-step walkthrough. Once your items are ready to ship, consult our OopBuy Shipping Guide to choose the best shipping line for your country.

Don’t have an OopBuy account yet? Sign up on OopBuy and get a 1,000 ¥ coupon bundle to start shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are OopBuy QC photos free?

Yes. OopBuy provides free QC photos for every item that arrives at their warehouse. The standard package includes multiple angles and a weight measurement shot. If you need additional close-up or detailed photos, there is a small fee, but the standard set is completely free.

How long does it take to receive QC photos?

QC photos are uploaded to your account as soon as the warehouse staff process your incoming item, which typically happens within a few hours of the item arriving at the warehouse. Detailed photo requests are usually fulfilled within 2–4 hours during business hours.

Can I return an item if QC photos show defects?

Absolutely. If your QC photos reveal defects, wrong sizing, or significant differences from the listing, you can request a return or exchange directly through your OopBuy dashboard. Returns for defective items are often processed free of charge, and refunds typically arrive within 2–5 business days.

What should I do if the QC photos are unclear?

If the standard QC photos do not give you enough detail, use OopBuy’s detailed photo request feature. Describe exactly what you want to see — for example, a close-up of a logo, a measurement, or a specific angle — and the warehouse team will take additional photos for you.

OopBuy QC Photos Guide