SORTING AND QUALITY
Clothing Quality Inspection Checklist for Resellers
Consistent inspection protects your reputation. Buyers return when items match their description, and accurate grades make pricing faster.
Check every garment in the same order, so nothing is missed.
THE CHECKLIST
Inspect in this order.
Overall look
Hold the item up in good light: colour, fading, shape.
Fabric
Pilling, thinning, holes, snags and shine on worn areas such as elbows and knees.
Seams and hems
Loose stitching, open seams and dropped hems.
Fastenings
Zips, buttons, hooks and press studs all present and working.
Stains and marks
Check collars, cuffs, underarms and fronts.
Odour
Note anything that needs extra cleaning.
Labels and size
Size, fabric and care labels present; measure if missing.
A SIMPLE GRADING SYSTEM
Four grades.
These are your own grades for consistency, not an industry standard. Supplier condition terms may differ.
A — Excellent
No visible wear or faults.
B — Good
Light wear consistent with use, no faults.
C — Fair
Visible wear or a minor fault, described clearly.
D — Repair or reuse
Needs repair, upcycling or passing on.
DESCRIBE HONESTLY
Grades in listings.
Disclosing faults builds trust.
- Photograph any fault; see listing photography.
- State the grade and the fault in the listing description.
- Use grades to set price bands in your pricing method.
CARE BEFORE SALE
Prepare what passes.
- Clean according to the care label.
- Steam or press, and remove lint.
- Make small repairs; see extending the life of second-hand clothes.
NEXT STEP
Checking material before ordering?
Where available, a sample lets you inspect material with this checklist before a larger order.
General guidance for planning purposes. Examples are illustrative; outcomes depend on your own market, stock, prices and costs.