GTBuy Spreadsheet QC Guide

Shopping agents typically provide 3-5 standard QC photos per item. Understanding what each angle reveals is crucial for proper evaluation. The standard set includes: a top-down view showing overall shape and proportions, a side profile revealing silhouette accuracy, a close-up of branding and logos, a detail shot of stitching and construction, and sometimes an insole or interior tag photo. Lighting can significantly affect how colors appear in QC photos. Warehouse lighting tends to be fluorescent, which can make whites appear slightly blue and warm tones look cooler than they are in natural light. When evaluating color accuracy, always compare against retail photos taken in similar lighting conditions rather than natural daylight shots. For sneakers, always request an additional photo of both shoes together if only one side is shown. Left and right shoes can have different flaws, and you want to verify consistency across the pair. For clothing, ask for flat-lay photos if only hanger shots are provided, as gravity can distort the shape and hide fit issues.

Different batches have characteristic flaws that repeat across multiple units. Knowing these batch-specific issues helps you decide whether a flaw is acceptable or grounds for an exchange. For Nike Dunks, common batch flaws include thick toe boxes, incorrect heel embroidery spacing, and tongue tag placement errors. The best batches have addressed these issues in 2026, but budget tiers still commonly show these problems. For Jordan 1s, watch for incorrect hourglass shape, wing logo placement that is too high or low, and suede movement that does not match retail behavior. The midsole paint line should be crisp, and the swoosh curve should follow retail patterns. For clothing items, print placement accuracy is critical. Essentials hoodies should have the puff print at a specific distance from the collar. Chrome Hearts pieces should show consistent cross-stitch density. Stussy designs should have correct embroidery thread count and placement. Leather goods require special attention to material texture, hardware weight and engraving depth, and interior stamping clarity. The best LV and Gucci reps in 2026 have achieved remarkable accuracy in canvas texture and hardware details.

Not every minor flaw warrants an exchange. Understanding when to accept, when to exchange, and when to return is key to a smooth shopping experience. Accept: Minor stitching inconsistencies that are not visible when worn, slight color variations within acceptable range, and minor thread ends that can be trimmed are all acceptable. Remember that retail products also have minor manufacturing variations. Exchange: Major logo placement errors, obvious color mismatches, significant size discrepancies (more than 2cm from size chart), and structural defects like misaligned panels or broken hardware all warrant an exchange request. Most agents allow one free exchange per item. Return: Items that are completely wrong colorway, severely damaged, or clearly a different product than what was ordered should be returned immediately. Document everything with photos and contact your agent's customer service promptly. Always check your agent's exchange and return policy before ordering. Some agents charge a small fee for exchanges, while others offer free returns within a specific timeframe.