First check: does the item still match the row?

Start with the boring details. Compare color, size, model, version, and quantity against the spreadsheet note. A perfect-looking item can still be wrong if the seller sent a different batch or variation.

If the spreadsheet mentioned a specific detail, look for that detail first. Nice lighting, tidy packaging, and a familiar seller name do not matter if the item itself is wrong.

Read photos in a fixed order

QC is easier when you follow the same order every time. This keeps you from approving an item because one photo looks good while another photo shows the actual problem.

  1. Identity.Confirm item type, color, size, version, model, and quantity before judging details.
  2. Overall shape.Look at proportion, symmetry, structure, and whether the item matches the product page silhouette.
  3. Functional details.Check zippers, soles, seams, buttons, ports, straps, labels, and anything that affects use.
  4. Finish quality.Review stitching, print placement, hardware tone, material texture, scratches, stains, or glue marks.
  5. Packaging and weight clues.Decide whether packaging protects the item or only adds volume to the parcel.

What to check by item type

Category Look closely at Common weak spot
Clothing Measurements, collar shape, print position, stitching, fabric thickness. Size charts that do not match real measurements.
Shoes Toe shape, heel height, sole color, insole length, pair symmetry. A good side view hiding a bad top-down shape.
Bags Dimensions, strap length, zipper alignment, logo placement, hardware finish. Photos that skip close-ups of corners and metal parts.
Accessories Engraving, clasp, stitching, frame shape, color tone, packaging. Tiny defects that only appear in close detail shots.

Ask for extra photos only when they answer a question

Extra photos can help, but vague requests waste time. Instead of asking for "more pics," ask for a measurement photo, a close-up of the logo, a shot of the sole, or a picture under neutral light. The goal is to reduce uncertainty, not to collect a gallery.

A good request names the exact uncertainty. If the problem is sizing, ask for a ruler photo. If the issue is shape, ask for a side or top view. If the issue is hardware or print quality, ask for a close-up in neutral light.

  • Ask for a ruler photo when size is the main risk.
  • Ask for a close-up when stitching, engraving, or print placement is unclear.
  • Ask for both items together when pair symmetry matters.
  • Ask for a label or model-number photo for electronics and small devices.
Vague request

"Can I get more photos?"

Useful request

"Please send a ruler photo of the insole and a top-down shot of both shoes together under neutral light."

Decide: approve, ask, return, or compare

Do not leave the item in a vague "maybe" state. After reading the photos, put it into one of four outcomes so your spreadsheet stays useful.

Outcome Use it when Next action
Approve The item matches the row and the visible risks are acceptable. Move to shipping cost and packaging review.
Ask One detail is unclear but a specific photo would answer it. Request the exact angle, close-up, or measurement you need.
Return The item is wrong, damaged, clearly poor, or different from the listing reason. Do not ship it just because it was cheap.

Do not approve just because the price was good

Cheap items still take parcel space and shipping weight. If the QC issue would bother you after delivery, deal with it before shipping. A spreadsheet row only matters if the final item still matches the reason you saved it.

The strongest spreadsheet rows become stronger after QC because the real item confirms the original note. Weak rows become weaker after QC because the photos expose missing information. Use that feedback to update your notes, not just to approve the parcel.