QC photos are your last line of defense before your order leaves the CNFans warehouse. A good QC review takes about 3–5 minutes and can save you from accepting a defective item. This guide covers what to look for, ordered by the issues the community catches most often.
Most Common QC Fails — Community Data 2026
Source: Community QC posts — Reddit r/FashionReps + Discord · April 2026
Interactive QC Checklist
Use this checklist while reviewing your CNFans QC photos. Tick each point — if you find issues on more than 3 points, request a return before accepting.
Progress: 0/12 points checked
1. Stitching consistency
Check all seams — they should be straight and even with no loose threads or visible skipped stitches, especially at stress points like shoulders and side seams.
2. Logo placement and centering
Compare logo position against retail reference photos. Logos should be centered horizontally and at the correct height. Even 2–3mm off is usually acceptable — more than that warrants a return.
3. Colorway accuracy
Check colors in multiple photos under different lighting angles. QC photos can wash out or saturate colors — ask for a natural daylight photo if the lighting looks off. Compare to the retail colorway reference.
4. Sole glue lines
Look along the perimeter where the sole meets the upper. There should be no visible glue squeeze-out, gaps, or uneven glue application. This is one of the most common fail points on shoe reps.
5. Tag printing quality
Inner tags should have clean, sharp printing with no blurring or ink bleeding. Size, care instructions, and brand text should all be legible and correctly formatted.
6. Midsole straightness
View the shoe from the back. The midsole should be perfectly straight — no lean to either side. A tilted midsole is a batch defect that affects wearability and can't be fixed.
7. Toe box shape
The toe box should match the silhouette of the retail version. Look for creasing, collapsed panels, or misshapen areas from storage. Check both shoes, not just one — shape inconsistency between pairs is a common issue.
8. Print quality (graphic tees/hoodies)
Screen-printed and embroidered logos should have clean edges with no cracking. Heat-transfer prints should lay flat without visible edges. Check that the graphic isn't distorted or off-center.
9. Overall size and shape
Request measurements if the listing doesn't include them. Sizing in Chinese reps can run small — always check shoulder width and length against your measurements, not just the tagged size.
10. Hardware and zippers (bags/outerwear)
Zippers should slide smoothly and pull tabs should be correctly aligned. Hardware like buckles and clasps should be free of visible casting marks or rough edges. Check all attachment points for stability.
11. Fabric texture and weight
Ask CNFans to describe the fabric weight if the photo doesn't convey it. Thin, plasticky-looking material in photos often indicates a lower batch. Good batches will have visible texture and appropriate weight.
12. Box and packaging condition
Boxes should be undamaged and clean. For shoes, check that the box label matches the size and colorway you ordered. Mismatched boxes occasionally indicate a picking error at the warehouse.
QC Decision Guide — When to Accept vs Return
✅ Accept if:
❌ Return/reship if:
After QC — Accepting and Shipping
Once you've reviewed all photos and you're satisfied, click "Accept" in your CNFans dashboard. At this point, CNFans moves your item to the shipping queue. You'll then be prompted to choose a shipping method and pay for freight. Check our coupon codes page before paying — some codes apply to shipping costs.
If you want additional photos before accepting, you can request them through the CNFans messaging system. They'll photograph specific angles or details you ask for — this is worth doing for any item over $100 rep price or any item where the batch photo quality looks inconsistent.
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