Most ootdbuy QC finder guides teach principles. This one teaches numbers. Ten axes, each scored 1-5, summed to a 10-50 point total that decides accept or reject with objective confidence.
Axis 1: Structural stitching (weight: 5)
1: visible seam failure.
2: uneven stitching on load-bearing seams.
3: minor inconsistency, no functional issue.
4: clean stitching with slight variation.
5: retail-quality stitching alignment.
Axis 2: Panel symmetry (weight: 5)
1: obvious asymmetry.
2: visible asymmetry.
3: mild asymmetry.
4: aligned within tolerance.
5: precise symmetry.
Axis 3: Print or embroidery quality (weight: 5)
1: mis-registered layers or peeling.
2: visible print imperfection.
3: acceptable print quality.
4: sharp print with slight variation.
5: retail-quality sharp print.
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Axis 4: Colorway accuracy (weight: 5)
1: wrong color entirely.
2: significant color drift.
3: noticeable drift, acceptable in some contexts.
4: minor drift.
5: matches retail equivalent under daylight cross-check.
Axis 5: Hardware finish (weight: 5)
1: broken or missing hardware.
2: hardware defect visible.
3: functional hardware with cosmetic issue.
4: clean hardware.
5: retail-matching hardware.
Axis 6: Interior finishing (weight: 5)
1: raw seams, unfinished construction.
2: visible interior shortcuts.
3: acceptable interior finishing.
4: clean interior finishing.
5: retail-quality interior.
Axis 7: Sizing versus chart (weight: 5)
1: 3+ cm mismatch from chart.
2: 2 cm mismatch.
3: 1 cm mismatch.
4: matches within tolerance.
5: precise match.
Axis 8: Trim consistency (weight: 5)
1: wrong tags entirely.
2: misplaced or mismatched trim.
3: acceptable trim quality.
4: clean trim placement.
5: retail-matching trim.
Axis 9: Finish details (weight: 5)
1: visible glue residue or loose threads.
2: multiple finish issues.
3: minor finish issue.
4: clean finish.
5: precise retail-quality finish.
Axis 10: Packaging (weight: 5)
1: damaged or wrong packaging.
2: visibly compromised packaging.
3: acceptable packaging.
4: clean packaging.
5: retail-matching packaging.
Sum and decide
- Total 45-50: exceptional. Accept without hesitation.
- Total 40-44: strong. Accept.
- Total 35-39: acceptable. Accept unless specific concern.
- Total 30-34: marginal. Request additional photos.
- Total under 30: reject.
Single-axis reject rules
Regardless of total score:
- Axis 1 (structural) score of 1 or 2 = reject.
- Axis 5 (hardware) score of 1 = reject.
- Axis 4 (colorway) score of 1 = reject.
Worked example: heavyweight T-shirt QC
- Axis 1 (structural): 5.
- Axis 2 (symmetry): 4.
- Axis 3 (print): 5.
- Axis 4 (colorway): 4 (slight warehouse light drift).
- Axis 5 (hardware): n/a (no hardware).
- Axis 6 (interior): 4.
- Axis 7 (sizing): 5.
- Axis 8 (trim): 4.
- Axis 9 (finish): 4.
- Axis 10 (packaging): 5.
Total (excluding Axis 5): 40/45 = adjusted 44/50 equivalent. Strong accept.
Category-specific weight adjustments
- Sneakers: Axis 2 (symmetry), Axis 5 (hardware), Axis 9 (finish) weighted 2x.
- T-shirts: Axis 3 (print) weighted 2x if print-forward design.
- Hoodies: Axis 6 (interior) weighted 2x.
- Jackets: Axis 5 (hardware — zippers) weighted 2x.
The 30-day scorecard drill
Score 5 QC photos per week using the scorecard. Compare your scores to community verdicts. Track hit rate. Twenty minutes weekly, calibrated in one month.
Related reading
Combine scorecard with the community protection network. Apply to sneakers via the streetwear rotation guide.
Return to our ootdbuy Spreadsheet homepage for the full library of guides and the latest sheets.
Frequently asked questions
Why score instead of just look?
Because scoring forces balance. Eyeball inspection over-weights the front photo. Structured scoring gives every axis its due.
How long does the scorecard take?
About 3-4 minutes per item once you know it. Faster on repeat sellers. Slower on unfamiliar items.
What score means accept?
35 out of 50. Below that flags concern. Above 42 is a clear accept.
What if one axis fails but others pass?
Depends on the axis. Structural failure (axis 1) alone is grounds for rejection. Cosmetic failure (axis 8-10) can pass with strong other axes.
Can I use this for all categories?
Yes. The scorecard is category-agnostic. Category-specific weights are noted below for common items.
How does this build ootdbuy finds skill?
Consistent scoring produces consistent standards. Sellers whose items consistently score high become your finds sources.
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