GL and RL meaning: green light or red light your QC

GL and RL are the two answers you get when you post QC photos online. GL means green light: the item looks right, approve it and ship it. RL means red light: something's wrong, ask the agent to exchange or return it before it leaves China.

Where the decision happens

When your item arrives at the agent's warehouse, it gets photographed and waits for you. That waiting time is your window. Approving it (GL) means it goes into your next parcel. Asking for a return or exchange (RL) means the agent sends it back to the seller. Once the parcel ships internationally, that window is closed.

When to GL

• The size matches what you ordered and the measurements are close to the chart.
• The colour matches the listing and other buyers' QC albums.
• Logos, prints and tags look like the albums you checked before buying.
• Any flaws are things you can fix or won't notice: a loose thread, a crease, a tiny glue mark.

When to RL

• Wrong size or wrong colour.
• Holes, stains, broken zips or hardware.
• A print or logo that's clearly crooked, cut off or a different size than in other albums.
• For shoes: a visibly different left and right shoe.

How to ask for an exchange

Agents pass your message on to the seller, often through a translator. Make it easy:

• Say exactly what's wrong and where ("stain on the left sleeve, photo 3").
• Say what you want: an exchange for the same item, a different size, or a refund.
• Expect fees in some cases. Depending on the agent and seller there may be a domestic return shipping fee.

Avoid needing an RL

The best time to avoid a bad item is before you order. Look up the listing in QC Finder and read a few albums. If earlier buyers keep getting the same flaw, that's what you'll get too, and choosing a different seller saves you the exchange.