Nine-point checklist
- The item belongs in the category I am researching.
- The album or catalog photos show the details that matter.
- Watermarks and contact details are reasonably consistent.
- Sizing, measurements, or fit notes are visible when needed.
- Price is compared with similar results rather than judged alone.
- Shipping weight does not remove the value.
- The source or purchase link matches the item being shown.
- QC photos are relevant to the same item or source when available.
- I can explain why I would save this result.
How to score a result
Score the same way across a comparison set. A missing source link cannot be replaced by excellent photos; each check answers a different question.
Keep a short decision log beside the score
A number is useful only when another reader—or you a week later—can reconstruct it. I keep four short fields beside every total: the evidence checked, the information still missing, the date reviewed, and the next action. This prevents an old eight-point row from looking current after a source page, price, size chart, or contact detail changes.
| Field | Write this | Avoid this |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence | “Front, back, material close-up, item chart, and matching source code visible.” | “Photos look good.” |
| Missing | “No packed weight and no rear label view.” | Leaving unknowns blank. |
| Checked | The date and the exact album or source route reviewed. | “Recently checked.” |
| Next action | Ask for one named measurement, compare another source, or pause. | “Look into it more.” |
Strong example
A stronger clothing row names the exact category, color, and code. It shows the front, back, fabric, seams, and measurements, then links to a source page that appears to match. The price has a date, packed weight is marked as an estimate, and the QC photos use the same code. The note still says what remains unknown.
Weak example
A row uses a confident label but links only to a cover image. It has no measurements, no usable source, no date for the copied price, changing watermarks, unrelated QC photos, and no reason beyond “looks good.” The row should be removed for now.
Recheck whenever the source changes
A spreadsheet is a dated note, not a permanent approval list. I recheck a row when its link redirects, the album changes, a new size chart appears, or the contact details no longer match. I keep the old date and record the change rather than quietly replacing the reason for the earlier score.
One-sentence save rule
Save a result only when you can name the evidence that makes it useful and the uncertainty that still remains.
What to do next
If the score is low because the category is wrong, return to the category guide. If photos are weak, use the QC comparison guide. If weight changes the value, review the shipping-weight guide. If identity or payment claims are unclear, stop at the buyer-safety checks.