Guide
Litbuy QC Checklist: What to Check Before You Confirm Any Order in 2026
2026-05-10·litbuy qc checklist
Introduction: QC Photos Are Your Superpower
The single most valuable tool in the Litbuy spreadsheet ecosystem is the QC (Quality Control) photo. Before your order ships, you typically have the opportunity to review real photos of the exact item you will receive. This is not a stock image or a marketing photo — it is your actual product. Knowing what to look for in these photos separates buyers who are consistently happy from those who are frequently disappointed. This guide provides a comprehensive QC checklist organized by category, explains which flaws are acceptable (minor and fixable) and which are deal-breakers (major and unfixable), and teaches you how to communicate with sellers when you spot an issue.
Universal QC Checklist (All Categories)
These checks apply to every product regardless of category:
1
Logo/Branding: Check that logos are centered, straight, and match the listing photos. Crooked or misplaced logos are common defects.2
Stitching: Inspect major seam lines for skipped stitches, loose threads, or wavy stitching. Straight, even stitches indicate quality.3
Color Accuracy: Compare QC photo colors to the listing photos. Keep in mind that lighting can shift colors — look for major discrepancies, not subtle differences.4
Material Appearance: Does the fabric texture and drape match what you expected from the description? Shiny polyester when expecting matte cotton is a clear mismatch.5
Symmetry: For any item with left/right sides (shoes, jackets with patches), verify both sides are identical.6
Tags and Labels: Check that brand tags, size labels, and care labels are present, straight, and match the product description.Acceptable vs Deal-Breaker Flaws
Not all QC issues are equal. Here is how to evaluate what you find:
| Aspect | Normal / Expected | Red Flag / Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Loose thread (1-2) | Acceptable — easily trimmed with scissors | Deal-breaker — if threads are throughout, indicating poor overall stitching |
| Slight color variation | Acceptable — lighting and screens affect color perception | Deal-breaker — wrong color entirely (navy instead of black, green instead of blue) |
| Minor logo shift (1-2mm) | Acceptable — barely noticeable when worn | Deal-breaker — logo is visibly crooked, upside down, or completely misplaced |
| Glue marks on shoes | Acceptable — small spots can be cleaned | Deal-breaker — excessive glue, sole separation, or structural defects |
| Slight measurement variance | Acceptable — within the 1-3cm tolerance stated on size charts | Deal-breaker — measurements off by 5cm+, indicating wrong size sent |
Category-Specific QC Focus Areas
Beyond the universal checklist, each Litbuy spreadsheet category has its own critical QC focus areas. For Shoes, pay the most attention to sole construction (glued vs stitched), logo placement on both shoes, and the toe box symmetry. For Hoodies and Sweaters, focus on cuff and hem ribbing — loose ribbing is the most common defect and cannot be fixed at home. For Jackets, check zipper functionality and seam taping on the interior. For Jerseys, verify name/number stitching quality and badge placement — these are the hardest things to fix and the most visible when worn. For T-Shirts, check neckline ribbing and print alignment. Every category page on the Litbuy spreadsheet includes a dedicated QC checklist specific to that product type.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I approve QC photos and the item still arrives with issues?
If the item that arrives is different from what was shown in the QC photos you approved, you have a strong case for a dispute. Always save the QC photos you approved — they serve as your evidence that the shipped item does not match what was promised.
How many QC photos should I expect per item?
Standard QC packages include 3-6 photos showing front, back, close-up of logos, tags, and any special details. For shoes, expect additional sole and insole photos. If you need more angles or close-ups, you can usually request additional photos before approving.
Related Categories
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