Pre-shipment inspection — commonly called QC — happens between the moment a seller packs your kakobuy Spreadsheet order and the moment it ships. The seller or a QC service photographs or videos the item so you can approve it before it crosses the ocean. Not every shopper uses QC. The ones who do catch problems that would otherwise become claims. This guide walks through how it works. For the broader shopping workflow, head to the main homepage guide.

What QC services actually do

Three variants:

• Photo QC. Multiple angles of the item sent to you for review.
• Video QC. Short video showing the item from all sides.
• Measurement QC. Specific measurements shown next to a ruler.

Where QC is offered

Three places QC appears in the kakobuy Finds ecosystem:

• Seller-provided QC. Some sellers include it standard; others charge a small fee.
• Forwarder QC. Package arrives at forwarder, forwarder photographs before combined shipping.
• Independent QC services. Third parties who inspect at the seller’s warehouse.

What QC catches

Six issues QC commonly surfaces:

1. Wrong color variant shipped.
2. Wrong size selected.
3. Visible manufacturing defects.
4. Material different from product listing.
5. Damage during picking or packing.
6. Missing accessories or extras promised in the listing.

What QC does NOT catch

Three categories QC misses:

• Transit-related damage (happens after QC).
• Fit issues (visible only when worn).
• Subjective quality concerns (“this feels thinner than I expected”).

Fee structures

Three common pricing patterns:

• Free with seller. Some sellers include QC as a default service.
• Small per-item fee. $1–3 per item typically.
• Flat shipment QC. $5–15 for a consolidated QC of multiple items.

When QC is worth paying for

Four scenarios:

• High-value items. Items over $100 per unit.
• Fragile or specific-detail items. Watches, jewelry, items with specific hardware.
• Items ordered from a new seller. QC validates the seller.
• Items where sizing could be dispatched incorrectly. Catches wrong-size issues before shipping.

When QC can be skipped

Three scenarios where QC adds complexity without proportionate value:

• Low-cost standard items from trusted sellers.
• Items you have ordered before and know the quality.
• Time-sensitive orders where QC delays dispatch by extra days.

How QC communication typically works

Three steps:

1. Seller or QC service sends photos/video via message, email, or app.
2. You review within a specified window (usually 24–72 hours).
3. You approve, request changes, or reject.

What a good QC photo set includes

Three must-have angles:

• Front, back, and both sides.
• Close-up of any logos, prints, or detail work.
• Label photo showing size and material composition.

What a good QC video includes

Three must-have segments:

• Slow rotation showing all sides.
• Hardware operation (zippers, snaps, buttons).
• Measurement reference (tape measure next to key dimensions).

Rejecting items at QC

Three outcomes when QC reveals an issue:

• Replacement. Seller swaps the item from inventory before shipping.
• Refund + cancel. Order cancelled, money returned.
• Partial refund + ship. You accept the item with a discount for the issue.

Response time windows

Three realistic windows:

• Within 24 hours: ideal. Seller holds the package in queue.
• 24–72 hours: acceptable, but seller may dispatch if you do not respond.
• Beyond 72 hours: seller usually dispatches as-is.

QC and forwarders

If you use a forwarder, three habits:

1. Request QC on arrival at the forwarder.
2. Review before triggering combined dispatch.
3. Rejected items can go back to the seller via return rather than ship forward.

Communicating with QC teams

Three principles:

• Be specific about concerns (“the chest measurement looks 2cm smaller than listed”).
• Respond within promised windows.
• Praise good QC publicly in reviews — drives seller behavior.

Common QC mistakes

Three mistakes:

• Not requesting QC on high-value items.
• Ignoring QC photos and approving by default.
• Nitpicking minor details that are not actually defects.

Final thoughts

QC is small cost with asymmetric upside. A $2 QC fee that catches a wrong-size dispatch saves weeks of claim resolution and a return shipping bill. For the complete logistics workflow, read the main kakobuy Spreadsheet Hub guide on the homepage.