Shoe QC Checklist: What to Inspect Before You Ship
Shoes are the highest-risk category for subtle flaws. A misaligned swoosh or off-color midsole can make a pair unwearable for picky buyers. Use this checklist every time you review SuperBuy QC photos for footwear orders.
The Checklist
Toe Box Shape
Compare to retail photos. Should be symmetrical and not overly bulky. Budget batches often have a "fat" toe box that is instantly callout-able.
Heel Tab Alignment
Check that tabs are centered and evenly spaced. Misaligned heel tabs are one of the most common flaws on Jordan 1 reps.
Stitching Consistency
Look for even thread tension, no loose ends, no crooked lines. Stitching quality separates mid-tier from top-tier batches.
Midsole Paint
Should be clean, no overspray, consistent width around the entire sole unit. Overspray is a dead giveaway on budget pairs.
Lace Quality
Aglets should be clean, laces should match expected width and texture. Cheap flat laces on a premium model are a red flag.
Insole Print
Logo placement and font weight should look correct. Insole flaws are not visible when worn but matter for resale.
Box Condition
If you need the box, check for dents and label accuracy. A damaged box reduces resale value significantly.
When to Request More Photos
If any of the above areas are not clearly visible in the standard five QC photos, ask SuperBuy for close-ups. The $0.50–1.00 cost per additional photo is worth avoiding a disappointing haul. Request specific angles: top-down toe box, heel tab close-up, insole removed, and lateral side-by-side comparison of both shoes.
Top-Down Toe Box
Shows symmetry between left and right. Best angle for catching bulkiness.
Heel Tab Close-Up
Reveals spacing, embroidery density, and alignment errors.
Insole Removed
Exposes stitching on the strobel board and glue quality underneath.
Lateral Side-by-Side
Compares both shoes for shape consistency and color matching.
Budget vs Premium Batch Signals
Frequently Asked Questions
How many QC photos does SuperBuy take by default?
Five photos per item: front, back, both sides, and a detail shot. This is usually enough for general inspection but may miss specific flaw areas.
Can I return shoes if I spot a flaw in QC?
Yes, if the flaw is objective and clearly visible. Subjective concerns like "looks a bit off" are harder to get approved. Document with reference photos.
Should I keep the shoe box?
Only if you collect boxes or plan to resell. For personal use, removing the box reduces volumetric weight and shipping cost significantly.
What is the most commonly missed flaw?
Heel tab height asymmetry. One tab sits higher than the other, which is only visible when both shoes are photographed side by side at the same angle.
Related Guides
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QCHow to Read SuperBuy Warehouse QC Photos Like a Pro
Warehouse lighting, angles, and compression hide flaws. Learn how to request the right photos, interpret what you see, and know when to green-light your haul.
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