Long enough in this business and the failure modes stop being surprising: sneakers get substituted, hoodies underdeliver on weight, jackets arrive bulky, pants are sized inconsistently, T-shirts vary in fabric, and accessories carry the branding risk. Below, each category with the check that actually prevents the problem.
← Back to overviewSix categories, each paired with the check that avoids the usual disappointment.
Good for: Size tag and outsole photographed, backed by a seller record that holds.
Confirm: That the tagged size is exactly what you asked for.
QC focus: Request the size tag and outsole before it is dispatched.
Trap: Brand catalogue shots at a figure no genuine seller offers.
Good for: Fabric weight stated in grams per square metre, fleece shown close up.
Confirm: The stated weight before comparing prices.
QC focus: Request a weighed figure and a close look at the backing.
Trap: No weight figure, which is the most common reason a hoodie disappoints.
Good for: Lining, hardware and padding shown and stated separately.
Confirm: Packed volume, since packing quality matters more than buyers expect.
QC focus: Ask for a lining photograph and a hardware close-up.
Trap: Outer-only photography plus bulky packing — both costly here.
Good for: A full centimetre measurement chart is provided.
Confirm: Waist and inseam in centimetres.
QC focus: Check the tag in centimetres against your own measurements.
Trap: Letter-only sizing, the most common cause of fit complaints.
Good for: Composition stated, collar and hem stitching shown close up.
Confirm: Composition and weight, rather than the price by itself.
QC focus: A close shot of the collar is the one that matters on shirting.
Trap: One distant photograph at a suspiciously low price.
Good for: Material composition stated, hardware photographed closely.
Confirm: That branded pieces are ones you are comfortable declaring.
QC focus: Zoom in on the stamps, clasps and stitching density.
Trap: Where branding errors concentrate most.
Public material gathered since 2011. Prices and availability sit on the marketplaces themselves.
