Buying from China via platforms like Taobao, JD.com, or 1688 offers incredible variety and value – but for overseas shoppers, the risk of receiving the wrong, defective, or damaged product is always there. That’s why SUGARGOO provides a professional Quality Check (QC) service to inspect your items before they leave China.
If you’re still wondering whether buying via an agent is safe, see our guide: Is It Safe to Buy From China Through an Agent?
This guide will walk you through:
- What the SUGARGOO QC service includes
- Inspection rules for different order types
- What’s covered (and what isn’t)
- Free and paid QC photo services
- How QC protects you from costly mistakes
- How to request QC for your orders
Whether you’re buying one item from Taobao or importing bulk goods from 1688, understanding QC is the key to safer cross-border shopping.
What Is SUGARGOO’s Quality Check Service?
SUGARGOO’s QC service is a step in your order processing where warehouse staff check your products after they arrive but before you ship them internationally.
The purpose is to confirm that the product matches your order in style, color, size, quantity, and overall appearance.
Applicable products:
- Clothing
- Bags
- Suitcases
- Shoes
Not applicable for:
- Non-clothing/bag/suitcase/shoe products that are sealed or have sealing strips
- Items in unopened factory packaging (appearance only, no unsealing)
📚 Learn more about the buying process: Understanding How to Buy From Taobao Using a SUGARGOO Agent
QC Service Types
A. Basic QC Photos (Free)
When your goods arrive at the SUGARGOO warehouse, you get five free photos for each item you ordered. Photo standards: Clear, well-lit images covering overall appearance and key details.
B. Parcel Photos (Free)
After your goods are packed, you’ll get one free parcel photo to see the final packaged state before shipping.
C. Personalized Photography (Paid)
If you need more angles or close-ups (e.g., for reselling, luxury goods, or delicate items), you can purchase the Personalized Photography service for extra detailed photos.
D. If Photos Are Not Clear
If QC or parcel photos are blurry or out of focus, contact SUGARGOO Customer Service – the warehouse will retake them for free.
📦 See also: What is a Delivery Add-on? SUGARGOO’s Key to Safer, Smarter Cross-Border Shipping
Inspection Scope & Limitations
While SUGARGOO’s QC is thorough, it’s important to understand what’s covered and what isn’t.
General limitations:
- Defects and usage results that match the seller’s description are not covered.
- Electrical appliances, digital products, and electronic peripherals – authenticity, functionality, and quality are not checked.
- Sealed packaging and non-clothing/bag/suitcase/shoe products with sealing strips – no unsealing, only exterior inspection.
- Special orders (e.g., 1 CNY auctions, lucky bags, fake product links, “no real product” links, mosaic product images) – only inspected for serious exterior damage, stains, discoloration, or defects.
Special Rules for Different Order Types
A. 1688 Purchase Orders
- If the product page/shop page shows “Guarantee”, “7-day Replacement”, “15-day Replacement”, “21-day Replacement”, or “60-day Replacement” icons:
- Quantity checked against product box information.
- 5% random visual inspection (min 5 items, max 20 items) for style, color, size, model.
- If no icons:
- Quantity checked against box information only, no random inspection.
🛒 More on sourcing: Understanding How to Buy from 1688 via SUGARGOO
B. Regular Purchase Orders (Non-1688)
- Checks: style, quantity, color, size, model
- Sealed packaging or sealing strips → exterior inspection only
- All products undergo prohibited item screening
- After inspection, original shipping box is removed (unless fragile/oversized) and replaced with a SUGARGOO ziplock bag
C. Transit Orders
- Based on product info provided (link, images, notes)
- If info is incomplete → only provided details are checked
- Sealed/non-clothing with sealing strips → exterior inspection only
- All products screened for prohibited items
- Same repackaging rules as regular purchase orders
🚚 Learn more: How Does Package Consolidation Work at SUGARGOO?
Original Packaging Inspection
For some products, the original packaging is left unopened and photos are taken without unsealing.
If there’s a risk of prohibited or sensitive items inside, SUGARGOO reserves the right to open the packaging for inspection.
QC Process Overview
- Arrival at warehouse (3-5 days domestic delivery)
- Signing standards – packages with damaged outer packaging or failing standards are refused
- Prohibited item screening
- QC checks according to order notes and product type
- QC photos/videos uploaded for your review
- Customer confirmation → items are packed or consolidated for shipment
🛠️ Need to decide your shipping route? Read How to Choose the Best International Shipping Method: Courier, Air Freight, or Sea Freight?
Storage & Packaging Rules
- Standard: Remove outer box, pack in SUGARGOO ziplock bag
- Exceptions: Fragile, oversized, or items where the box is part of the product → original packaging kept
- All stored goods must meet shipping requirements (air, sea, truck)
For more details on storage periods and policies, read: How long does SUGARGOO keep items in the warehouse?
Why QC Matters for Overseas Buyers
- Avoids costly mistakes – wrong size, wrong color, missing items
- Saves on return costs – international returns are expensive and time-consuming
- Protects high-value items – especially important for luxury goods, collectibles, or non-returnable items like food and custom products
📦 Related: Ship from Taobao with SUGARGOO: Tips to Save and Clear Customs
SUGARGOO QC Advantages
- Free Basic QC Photos & Parcel Photos
- Clear multi-angle photography, zoomable videos
- Option for personalized paid photography for more detail
- Strict prohibited item checks
- Quick processing: warehouse intake in 3-5 days
Pricing & Add-on Services
- Basic QC Photos & Parcel Photos → Free
- Personalized Photography → Paid add-on
- Combine with:
How to Request QC on SUGARGOO
- Select QC service when submitting your purchase or warehouse entry order
- Add inspection notes for specific requests (e.g., check zipper function, confirm accessories)
- Review QC photos/videos in your SUGARGOO account
- Approve shipment when satisfied
💡 If you’re new to agents, see: How to Buy Products from China as an Overseas Consumer Using Buying Agents and Why It’s So Hard to Pay on Taobao from Overseas – And How to Solve It
QC Is More Than a Step – It’s Peace of Mind
SUGARGOO’s Quality Check service is more than just a quick glance – it’s a protective step that can save you from disappointment, lost money, and wasted time. By combining free Basic QC Photos, Parcel Photos, and optional Personalized Photography with strict inspection rules, SUGARGOO gives overseas buyers confidence when shopping from China.
If you’re serious about protecting your orders, make QC a standard part of your buying process – and combine it with reinforced packaging and shipping insurance for maximum peace of mind.
📍 Estimate your costs in advance: SUGARGOO Shipping Cost Estimation Tool