Quality Control (QC) is the most critical step in the hipobuy spreadsheet workflow. These photos represent your only opportunity to catch flaws before your items ship internationally. Missing a defect at this stage means accepting it permanently.
Understanding the QC Photo Set
A standard QC album contains 3-8 high-resolution photos per item. The exact count varies by warehouse and item complexity. Here is what you should expect and demand:
| Photo Type | What to Check | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Front View | Overall shape, symmetry, logo placement | Crooked logos, misaligned panels |
| Back View | Heel tabs, rear logos, stitching | Off-center branding, sloppy stitching |
| Side Profile | Swoosh placement, shape accuracy | Incorrect curve, wrong size swoosh |
| Top Down | Toe box shape, tongue alignment | Bulky toe box, poor taper |
| Sole/Outsole | Pattern accuracy, texture depth | Shallow stars, wrong pattern |
| Insole/Interior | Size labels, inner branding | Wrong font, missing details |
| Tag/Label | Barcode, SKU, manufacturing details | Incorrect dates, sloppy printing |
QC Accuracy Comparison by Category
| Item Category | QC Focus Areas | Risk Level | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sneakers | Shape, swoosh, toe box | Medium | 92% |
| Hoodies | Print alignment, stitching | Low | 96% |
| Jackets | Hardware, zippers, tags | Medium | 89% |
| Accessories | Detail accuracy, engraving | High | 84% |
| T-Shirts | Print quality, fabric feel | Low | 94% |
When to Green Light vs. Request Exchange
Not every minor flaw warrants an exchange. Learn to distinguish between batch-level characteristics (acceptable) and actual defects (exchange-worthy). Our rule: if the flaw is invisible at 3 feet while wearing, it is usually acceptable. If it affects structural integrity or is immediately noticeable, request a replacement.