How Hipobuy's inspection works
Hipobuy describes the step on its homepage: after a product arrives at its warehouse, it carries out acceptance and quality inspection and gives you the results. The order moves to 'Arrived' while awaiting inspection, then 'Stored', which starts 90 days of free storage. Inspection photos appear on the order.
The return window
Hipobuy's returns page says you can request a return within five days after the order becomes 'Warehoused', starting the hour after, with five days equal to 120 hours. After that, requests might not be accepted. If you changed your mind, you pay shipping to and from the seller plus ¥5. If the seller sent the wrong item or a defective one, the seller normally covers the cost.
Photos to request
| Item | Ask for |
|---|---|
| Trainers | Both shoes side by side, soles, heels, size labels, toe stitching |
| Hoodies and T-shirts | Front, back, print close-up, size tag, measured chest width |
| Jackets | Zips, inside lining, seams at shoulders |
| Bags | Hardware, strap attachment, interior |
| Watches | Dial straight on, case side, clasp, running video |
Reading photos honestly
Compare QC photos with the listing and with real photos of the same product, such as those in the grid above. Look for colour under neutral light, symmetry, and size labels. Small cosmetic issues like loose threads are normal and can be trimmed. Wrong size, wrong colour, or visible damage are worth a return.
QC checkers and community opinions
'QC checker hipobuy' searches point to community tools and Discord channels where buyers post photos for opinions. They help with experience, but the decision and the deadline are yours. Use them early in the 120 hours, not at the end.
After QC: the parcel
Once you approve, combine items and use Rehearsal Parcel to check the packed weight. Choose a line that includes EU VAT and duty if you want no surprises at the door; see Hipobuy shipping. For how agents compare on QC, Sugargoo states 5 free photos, USFans 3 to 5 and Mycnbox a free QC video; see agent pages.
When to skip a return
For a cheap item with a minor flaw, return costs (both shipping legs plus ¥5) can exceed the item's value. Weigh it honestly; sometimes keeping the item and noting the seller is the better choice. Record the outcome in your own spreadsheet.
Measurements beat labels
A size label is a promise; a measurement is a fact. For garments, ask for the item laid flat with a tape across the chest and along the length. Compare with a piece you own. For shoes, insole length is the most useful number. Sellers' size charts are often generic, so the measured photo is the one to trust.
Colour and lighting
Warehouse lighting can shift colours. If colour matters, ask for a photo near a window or next to a white sheet of paper. Compare with real photos of the same item, such as those in our grid, rather than with heavily edited listing photos.
Common faults by category
| Category | Faults to look for |
|---|---|
| Trainers | Uneven glue marks, mismatched shoe sizes, crooked stitching on the toe box |
| Hoodies | Misaligned prints, loose threads at cuffs, drawcord missing |
| Jackets | Zips that catch, uneven quilting, stains on light colours |
| Bags | Scratched hardware, loose strap stitching, wrong lining colour |
| Jewellery | Scratches, missing stones, tarnish |
Not every flaw is worth a return. Ask yourself whether you would notice it while wearing or using the item. Loose threads can be trimmed; a wrong size or a broken zip cannot be fixed at home.
Asking for more photos
When requesting extra photos, be specific: name the angle and the detail. 'Please photograph both soles and the size label inside the left shoe' gets better results than 'more photos please'. Requests made early in the 120-hour window leave time to decide calmly.
QC for bundles and sets
When an order includes several pieces, such as a tracksuit or a set of accessories, check that every piece arrived and that colours match across pieces. Sellers sometimes ship sets in separate packages, and one part may arrive later. Do not approve the parcel until all parts are stored and photographed.
What QC cannot show
Photos cannot show smell, fabric feel or exact weight. If those matter, ask the warehouse to describe the fabric or weigh the item. Agents can usually answer simple questions like 'is the material thick or thin', and the answer helps with jackets and hoodies in particular.
Keeping a QC record
Save the inspection photos of every item you approve. If the delivered item differs from the photos, those images are your evidence for an insurance claim or a complaint, and they help you judge the seller next time.
QC on a busy day
During shopping peaks, inspection photos can take longer to appear because the warehouse handles more parcels. The 120-hour return window still runs from warehousing, so check your orders daily during busy periods and raise questions early rather than waiting for the last day.
Questions people ask
How many free QC photos does Hipobuy take?
Hipobuy does not publish a fixed number. It inspects items on arrival and provides results; you can request more photos.
How long do I have to return after QC?
5 days, counted as 120 hours, from the moment the order is warehoused.
Are the photos in your grid QC photos?
No. They are real product photos from repbuysheet.com, useful as a reference to compare with your own QC photos.
What if QC shows a defect?
Request a return or exchange within the window. If the seller is at fault, you normally do not pay return shipping.
Can I ask Hipobuy for a QC video?
You can ask for extra photos and details; whether a video is available depends on the warehouse. Mycnbox is one agent that advertises free QC videos.
Do QC photos show the exact item I get?
Yes. Inspection photos are of the item that arrived for your order, unlike listing photos.