| Outsole wear |
Inspect tread depth, worn patches, cracks, and separation from the midsole. Pay particular attention to the heel, forefoot, and areas around the toe. |
Request clear, current photos of both outsoles for each grade or sample pair. Check the shoes in person when possible. |
Wear is consistent with the declared grade; no significant cracks or loose outsole sections. The grading standard is agreed in writing. |
Heavily worn smooth areas, peeling rubber, or photos that do not show the full outsole. |
| Midsole and cushioning |
Look for compression, permanent creases, uneven deformation, or material breakdown. |
Compare the left and right shoes on a flat surface and inspect the midsole from multiple angles. |
Both shoes sit evenly and show no obvious structural damage beyond the stated condition grade. |
One shoe is visibly lower, collapsed, or substantially different from its pair. |
| Upper and stitching |
Check the mesh or synthetic upper, seams, eyelets, heel counter, and closure components for tears or detachment. |
Ask for close-up images of high-stress areas and inspect a representative sample from the shipment. |
Damage is disclosed and falls within the agreed grade; closures work and seams remain intact. |
Hidden tears, loose stitching, missing parts, or a sample that differs materially from the stated grade. |
| Pair matching and sizing |
Confirm each pair has matching left and right shoes, compatible sizes, and consistent condition. |
Require a packing list by size and a documented process for checking pairs before dispatch. |
Pairs are matched and labeled; size quantities reconcile with the purchase order and packing list. |
Mixed sizes, mismatched models, or unexplained differences between the order and packing list. |
| Cleanliness and hygiene |
Check for moisture, visible dirt, strong odor, mold, and signs of pest contamination. |
Request storage and cleaning details, inspect samples, and agree on hygiene requirements before ordering. |
Goods are dry, clean, and stored appropriately; any cleaning or treatment process is disclosed. |
Musty odor, visible mold, damp packaging, or refusal to explain handling and storage practices. |
| Authenticity and product claims |
Verify that product descriptions, labels, and any origin or authenticity claims are supportable. |
Ask for sourcing records and original purchase documentation where available. Do not rely on photos alone; use an independent qualified authenticator if needed. |
Claims are documented and consistent with the goods. If authenticity cannot be established, the items are not represented as authenticated. |
Unverifiable claims, altered labels, inconsistent product details, or pressure to describe uncertain goods as genuine. |
| Condition grading |
Establish clear, observable definitions for each grade, including permitted wear and excluded defects. |
Put the grading criteria, defect disclosure rules, and sample approval process in the purchase agreement. |
Supplier grading terms are specific, consistently applied, and accepted against a pre-shipment sample. |
Vague terms such as “good condition” without a written standard or remedy for misgraded goods. |
| Supplier identity |
Confirm the legal entity, registered address, business scope, and authorized payment beneficiary. |
Check current registration records through the relevant official registry; independently verify contact and bank details. |
Names and details are consistent across registration records, contract, invoice, and payment instructions. |
Conflicting entity details, unexplained third-party payment accounts, or refusal to provide verifiable documents. |
| Sample and inspection |
Determine whether a sample or pre-shipment inspection can represent the ordered stock and grading mix. |
Approve a written sample standard and arrange inspection against the purchase order before dispatch. |
Inspection findings, quantity, size mix, and grade distribution are recorded and shared with both parties. |
Supplier refuses reasonable inspection or presents samples that cannot be linked to the shipment. |
| Commercial terms and remedies |
Review specifications, quantities, packaging, delivery terms, payment milestones, and procedures for shortages or misgrading. |
Use a signed contract or purchase order that states the inspection window, evidence requirements, and resolution process. |
Responsibilities and remedies are clear before payment and dispatch. |
Material terms are only verbal, or the supplier changes payment or shipment details without documented confirmation. |
| Small trial order |
Assess whether the supplier can deliver the agreed quality, paperwork, and quantity before placing a larger order. |
Start with a manageable trial quantity and compare delivered goods with approved samples and written specifications. |
Results are documented and meet the agreed requirements before repeat or larger purchases. |
Requests for a large upfront commitment before samples, checks, or clear terms are available. |