How to Write a Useful QC Message to a Seller

AndiotWatches editorial team · 2026-11-02 · Practical guide

When you receive photos of your watch before it ships, your reply can decide whether you get a quick, clear answer or a confusing back-and-forth. A good QC message is specific, organised and realistic. It says what you saw, where you saw it, and what you’d like to know. It doesn’t demand a perfection that no photo review can guarantee.

Before you write

• Open your order confirmation and a screenshot of the product listing, so you compare against what you ordered rather than against memory.
• Number the photos in the order they arrived, or note their file names.
• View each photo at full size, not just as a thumbnail.
• Keep differences from the listing (such as a different dial colour) apart from cosmetic observations (such as a speck of dust).

Structure: numbered observations

Give each point its own number. For each one, include:

1. Where: the photo number and a location given as a clock position, such as “photo 3, bezel near 2 o’clock”.
2. What you see: a neutral description, such as “a light mark on the polished edge” rather than “it’s damaged”.
3. Your question: whether it’s a reflection, whether another photo is possible, or whether the item can be checked or adjusted.

Stick to the points that matter to you. A long list of tiny observations makes it harder for the reader to see what matters. If you’re not sure whether something is real or just in the photo, say so, and ask for a recapture of that area.

Example message

“Hello, thank you for the QC photos for order [order number]. I have three questions:

1. Photo 2, dial at 6 o’clock: there seems to be a small particle under the crystal. Could you confirm whether it is dust inside or on the outside?
2. Photo 4, bezel at 12 o’clock: the marker looks slightly to the right of the 12 o’clock index, but the photo was taken at an angle. Could you take one photo from directly above?
3. The listing shows a date window, but I couldn’t see the date in photo 1. Could you confirm this is the date version I ordered?

Thanks for your help.”

Phrases to avoid

• “It must be perfect.” No inspection can promise a flawless item, and the phrase gives the reader nothing to act on.
• Vague requests such as “more photos please”, without saying what you need or why.
• Accusations before you’ve asked a question. A neutral tone tends to get clearer answers.

Protect your information

Send your message through the dealer’s official contact channel, one you’ve confirmed yourself. Don’t put card numbers, passwords or verification codes in a chat or email. Be careful if someone you didn’t contact first asks for payment or account details. Unexpected requests like this are a common sign of phishing.

Keep a record

Save a copy of your message, the photos and the reply. When the watch arrives, the same numbered list makes a useful checklist. Policies on retakes, adjustments and exchanges vary, so read the dealer’s published terms rather than assuming what’s available.