How to Use Litbuy: Step-by-Step for Beginners

Step 1: Understanding the Spreadsheet Layout

The first thing you see when you open the Litbuy spreadsheet is the filter row at the top. This row contains dropdown menus for category, size, price range, color, and seller. Learning to use these filters is the most important skill for efficient shopping. Without filters, the spreadsheet can be overwhelming.

Below the filter row are the product rows. Each row contains: product name, category, seller link, price, sizes, colors, batch number, QC status, and recent notes. The columns are color-coded to help you scan quickly. Green usually means the item is in stock and has good QC. Yellow means limited stock or mixed feedback. Red means out of stock or quality issues.

Step 2: Filtering by Category and Size

Start by selecting your category from the dropdown. If you want shoes, select 'Shoes' from the category filter. The spreadsheet will hide all other rows, leaving only shoes. Next, set your size filter. If you wear a US size 9, select the range that includes 9. This two-step filter usually reduces the spreadsheet from hundreds of rows to a manageable dozen.

After applying category and size filters, add a price range. If your budget is $50 to $100, set the price filter accordingly. This further narrows your options. The goal is to filter until you have 5 to 10 options that match your criteria. Fewer options mean less decision fatigue.

Step 3: Reading QC Notes and Buyer Feedback

The QC notes column is the most valuable part of the spreadsheet. These notes are not generic descriptions; they are live updates from recent buyers who have received the product. Look for specific keywords that tell you about the current batch quality.

Positive keywords include: 'true to size,' 'stitching is clean,' 'color matches photos,' 'good weight,' and 'fast shipping.' Negative keywords include: 'slightly off,' 'thin material,' 'loose threads,' 'longer than expected,' and 'slow QC.' If the notes are mixed, read the most recent entries first. Older notes may refer to a previous batch that has since been replaced.

• Look for notes from the past 2 weeks (current batch)
• Check for size accuracy keywords like 'true to size' or 'size up'
• Read material quality comments for weight and texture notes
• Note any shipping speed mentions for delivery expectations
• Watch for red flags like 'different from photos' or 'poor stitching'
• If notes are blank, consider waiting for community feedback

Step 4: Clicking Through and Ordering

Once you have found a promising item, click the seller link in the corresponding row. This opens the product page on the seller's site. Compare the spreadsheet price to the listed price. If there is a discrepancy, report it in the community channel so the moderator can update the sheet.

On the seller's page, select your size and color from the dropdowns. Add the item to your cart. Before proceeding to checkout, look for a coupon code field. Check the spreadsheet header for active codes. Apply any valid code to reduce your total cost. Then proceed to checkout and complete payment through the seller's secure gateway.

Step 5: QC Photo Approval and Final Shipping

After your order is placed, the seller sends the item to the warehouse. Within 3 to 7 days, you receive QC photos. These photos show the actual product from multiple angles. Compare them carefully to the reference images in the spreadsheet.

If the photos look correct, approve the shipment within 24 hours. The warehouse will pack and ship your item within 1 to 2 days. You will receive a tracking number shortly after. If the photos show defects or do not match the reference, request a replacement or cancel the order. Most sellers handle this within 2 to 3 business days.

• Compare QC photos to reference images in the spreadsheet
• Check color accuracy under different lighting conditions
• Inspect stitching, logos, and hardware details
• Verify size and fit against the size chart
• Look for any stains, glue marks, or structural defects
• Approve or reject within 24 hours to avoid warehouse delays

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

The most common beginner mistake is skipping the QC photos. Some buyers think they can save time by approving immediately. This is the fastest way to receive a flawed item. Always take the time to review the photos carefully.

Another common mistake is ignoring the size chart. Replica sizing often differs from retail sizing by half a size or more. Always compare your measurements to the seller's chart, not to your usual size. A third mistake is ordering from a seller with no recent feedback. Even if the price is great, a seller with no recent entries is a gamble.