QC Photos, Shipping Lines and Customs: What to Expect With an Agent
Three things confuse most first-time China shoppers: what "QC" actually means, how international shipping is priced, and why the final cost can jump at customs. Here is a plain-English walkthrough of all three.
Reading QC photos
QC stands for quality control. After your item reaches the agent's warehouse, staff photograph it so you can approve it before it ships abroad. Use these photos properly:
- Check the obvious
- Check construction
- Check measurements
- Check construction
If something is wrong, raise it while the parcel is still in China. That is when a return or exchange is easiest and cheapest. For higher-value items it is often worth requesting extra photos or specific measurements if the agent offers that option, since a few minutes of checking can save a costly international return.
How shipping is priced
International freight is not a flat fee. It is usually calculated on chargeable weight, which is the greater of actual weight and volumetric
Most agents hold your items in the warehouse for a limited free period so you can wait for other orders to arrive and ship everything together. The exact free-storage window varies by agent and can change, so check it on the official site and plan your consolidation before any storage fees begin. Waiting a little to bundle a few items almost always beats paying separate international shipping for each one. When your parcel arrives, your country's customs may charge import duty or VAT based on the declared value and category. This is set by your government, not the agent, and it is your responsibility. Research your country's de minimis
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Storage windows and consolidation timing
Customs, duties and VAT
Where finds and agents divide the work