International Shipping Photo Guide: Documenting Kakobuy Orders for Customs & Resale
The Complete Guide to Photographing Your Kakobuy Orders
When ordering internationally through Kakobuy, proper documentation through photographs can save you from customs headaches, streamline returns, and boost your resale credibility. Here's everything you need to know about capturing your items effectively.
Why Photography Matters for International Orders
Clear photographs serve multiple purposes: they provide evidence for customs declarations, documentation for potential disputes with sellers, and marketing materials if you choose to resell items. Unlike domestic purchases where you can easily return items, international orders require thorough documentation from the moment they arrive.
Essential Equipment Setup
You don't need professional photography gear, but a few basics will dramatically improve your results:
- Smartphone with decent camera (most modern phones work perfectly)
- Clean, neutral background (white or gray works best)
- Natural light source near a window
- Simple photo editing app for basic adjustments
- Measuring tape or ruler for scale reference
- The shipping label clearly showing tracking information
- Any visible damage to the outer packaging
- The sealed state of the box or mailer
- Take photos of each layer as you open the package
- Capture the initial arrangement of items inside
- Photograph any included packaging materials, cards, or accessories
- Full product shots showing the complete item
- Close-ups of brand tags and labels
- Material composition tags
- Size indications and country of origin markings
- Any unique identifying features or serial numbers
- Use consistent lighting across all shots
- Include both wide shots and extreme close-ups
- Photograph from multiple angles around the flaw
- Use a coin or common object for scale in flaw photos
- Capture comparison shots against product listing images
- Show items in use or styled contextually
- Capture texture and material details that demonstrate quality
- Include flat lays showing all components
- Photograph from buyer's perspective—highlight features they'd want to see
- Use natural lighting to show true colors
- Adjust brightness and contrast to show true colors
- Crop to remove distracting backgrounds
- Avoid filters that alter the item's appearance
- Never remove or hide flaws—document them honestly
- Create dated folders for each order
- Use clear filenames (OrderDate_Item_ShotType)
- Back up photos to cloud storage
- Keep photos for at least the return period plus 6 months
- Customs documentation: Keep for 3+ years
- Return/dispute evidence: Keep until return window closes plus 30 days
- Resale inventory: Keep until item sells plus 90 days
Photography Checklist: Before You Unpack
Question: Should I photograph the package before opening?
Absolutely. Start by capturing the sealed package from multiple angles. Include shots of:
These photos provide crucial evidence if items arrive damaged and you need to file a shipping insurance claim.
Question: How should I photograph items as I unbox?
Create an unboxing sequence that tells the complete story:
This sequential documentation proves the condition in which items arrived and can resolve disputes about missing components.
Documenting Items for Customs & Authentication
Question: What specific details should I capture for customs declarations?
Customs authorities need clear evidence of what you're importing. Focus on:
Include a measuring tape in some shots to demonstrate scale, especially for high-value items where accurate valuation matters.
Question: How do I photograph potential quality issues?
When documenting flaws or discrepancies:
Advanced Techniques for Resale Photography
Question: What makes photos effective for reselling Kakobuy items?
Resale photography requires more than just documentation—it needs to sell the item's value:
Question: Should I edit my photos for documentation purposes?
Basic editing is acceptable, but maintain authenticity:
Organizing and Storing Your Documentation
Creating Your Photography System
Develop a consistent workflow for every Kakobuy order:
Question: How long should I keep these photos?
Retention periods depend on purpose:
Proper photography transforms your Kakobuy experience from risky international shopping to documented, protected purchases. The small time investment in thorough documentation pays dividends in dispute resolution, customs clearance, and potential resale value.