The 2026 MuleBuy QC Checklist: What to Inspect Before Shipping

Why QC Photos Matter

Quality Control photos are your only chance to catch problems before an item leaves the warehouse. Once it ships internationally, returning it is expensive or impossible. Spend five minutes reviewing every photo. It is the highest-ROI step in the entire buying process.

The Universal QC Checklist

Apply this to every item in your haul:

• Is it the right item? Compare to the spreadsheet photo. Wrong colorway or wrong model is an immediate red flag.
• Are there visible stains or damage? Warehouse lighting can hide issues. Zoom in on every surface.
• Do logos and prints look correct? Font weight, spacing, and placement should match references.
• Are there loose threads or skipped stitches? Especially on shoes, bags, and jackets.
• Does the size label match what you ordered? Sometimes the wrong size is packed.

Shoe-Specific Checks

• Toe box shape and height
• Heel tab alignment and embossing depth
• Outsole color in natural daylight (not warehouse lighting)
• Insole print and size label
• Lace quality and aglet finishing

Clothing-Specific Checks

• Print alignment and saturation
• Neck tag font and stitching
• Seam straightness and thread color
• Hardware weight and color (zippers, buttons, eyelets)

When to Ask for More Photos

If the initial QC photos are blurry, poorly lit, or skip an angle you need, ask your agent for specific retakes. Common requests: side profile of shoes, close-up of embroidery, insole shot, or interior label. Most agents will do this for free or a small fee.

When to Reject an Item

Reject if the item is clearly the wrong model, has major visible damage, or has a flaw that the spreadsheet explicitly warned about. Do not reject over minor thread differences that no one will see on foot. Be reasonable, but protect your money.