Why accessories reward careful QC
The accessories category is one of the most photograph-friendly in the entire spreadsheet. Unlike clothing, where fabric weight and hand feel cannot be assessed remotely, most accessory quality indicators are visible: hardware finish, construction precision, plating evenness, stone setting quality, dial clarity. Taking time to review QC photos carefully for accessories pays off more than for almost any other category.
The universal principle is: look closer than you normally would. Standard warehouse photos are taken from a comfortable viewing distance. The useful information is in the details — the edge of a buckle, the enamel fill of a pin, the stone settings of a bracelet. Request close-up photos of any specific detail that the standard photos do not show clearly. This is a standard part of the QC process and any prepared agent will accommodate it.
Watch QC checklist
For watches, the essential checks are: dial cleanliness (no smudges, no printing defects, even indices), case finishing (polished surfaces mirror-smooth, brushed surfaces even grain direction), crown perpendicular to the case (not angled), bracelet link evenness (consistent spacing, no gaps), clasp function (photographed open and closed), and caseback alignment (flush and correctly oriented).
Additionally for any watch that claims to be functional: ask for a photo with the watch running and the seconds hand visible, with the time matching the current time to confirm the watch is set and keeping time at the warehouse. This is a quick functional test that confirms the movement is working before the parcel ships.
Handbag QC checklist
For bags: hardware close-up (consistent plating, no peeling or base metal exposure at edges), zipper function (photographed open and closed), pattern alignment at seams (canvas or fabric patterns should continue across seam lines), stitching evenness (both exterior and interior visible), lining quality (clean, attached, no loose threads), and strap or handle attachment (stitching reinforced at stress points).
For any bag with a monogram or branded pattern, a close-up showing a corner where the canvas meets a seam is particularly informative — it shows how the factory has handled the pattern at the join, which is one of the most visible quality differences.
Jewelry QC checklist
For jewelry: plating evenness across the full piece (especially at edges and high-contact points), stone setting evenness and completeness (all stones present, level and seated), clasp or closure function, post straightness and material on earrings, bracelet circumference matching order, and any engraving or hallmarking if the listing states it.
For rings: confirm the size number is stamped on the inside of the band and matches your order. For necklaces: photograph the full length of the chain at close range if possible to check for any bent or misaligned links.
Sunglasses QC checklist
For sunglasses: lens surface clarity (no bubbles, streaks or distortion visible in photos), hinge function (temples fold and open smoothly), lens seating in frame (no gaps at the edge, even fit), nose pad symmetry, and overall frame condition (no stress marks, no visible mould lines that should have been finished).
Small accessories QC
For small items, the standard QC photos may not be close enough to show relevant details. Request close-up photos for any item where the interesting details are smaller than two centimetres. For enamel pins, a close-up shows enamel quality. For small charms, it shows stone setting. For socks and small clothing items, the standard photos are usually sufficient.
What to do when QC reveals a problem
Contact support before approving the shipment. State clearly what the problem is and what resolution you expect — replacement, refund of the item, or acceptance with a partial refund. For most common issues — wrong size, obvious plating defect, missing stone — the support team can raise the matter with the seller. Resolution time varies; for items where the problem is clear and documented in the QC photos, resolution is generally faster than for disputed cases.
If the issue is minor and the item is otherwise acceptable, you can approve with a note to support documenting the issue, so there is a record if the same problem recurs. For items with clear defects that affect functionality — a watch that is not running, a bag clasp that does not close, a ring with a missing stone — do not approve shipment until the issue is resolved.