Mistake 1: Broken or Incomplete Product Links
The most common and most damaging mistake in yoybuy spreadsheets is including broken, truncated, or incorrect product links. This happens when buyers copy links from mobile apps that use shortened URLs, or when they paste links that require login credentials to view. Always test every link by opening it in an incognito browser window before adding it to your spreadsheet. If the link does not load the exact product page immediately, find the correct link or note the issue in your Notes column. A single broken link can delay your entire order while your agent requests clarification.
Mistake 2: Vague or Missing Size Specifications
Clothing and footwear sizes vary dramatically between Chinese and Western sizing systems. A common mistake is writing "Large" without specifying whether you mean US Large, European Large, or Asian Large—which can differ by multiple sizes. Always include both the numerical size (e.g., "US 10 / EU 44") and any relevant measurement (chest width, insole length) when possible. The thirty seconds you spend being specific can prevent a two-week return process.
Mistake 3: Forgetting Quantity Columns
It sounds obvious, but buyers frequently omit the quantity column or leave it blank, assuming "one of each" is understood. Your agent cannot safely assume anything. Always explicitly state quantity for every row, even when it is one. If you want two of the same item in different sizes, create two separate rows rather than trying to compress both into a single cell. Clear separation prevents the most avoidable ordering errors.
Mistake 4: Overloading the Notes Column
The Notes column is for brief, essential instructions—not for essays. Overloading this column with long paragraphs makes your spreadsheet harder to read and increases the chance that important details get overlooked. Keep notes under twenty words whenever possible. If you truly need extensive instructions for a specific item, consider creating a separate document and referencing it in the Notes column with a brief label like "See Doc A for full instructions."
Mistake Severity and Prevention
| Mistake | Impact | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Broken links | Order delays, agent confusion | Test every link in incognito mode |
| Vague sizes | Wrong size delivered | Always specify system (US/EU/CM) |
| Missing quantities | Under-ordering or over-ordering | Never leave quantity blank |
| Overloaded notes | Instructions ignored | Keep notes under 20 words |
| Wrong color names | Incorrect item received | Copy exact color name from listing |
Related Resources
Explore more yoybuy spreadsheet resources to deepen your knowledge and improve your shopping workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact your agent immediately with a clear correction. Most agents appreciate early corrections much more than discovering errors during sourcing. Update your spreadsheet and resend the revised version.
Ready to Start Using Yoybuy Spreadsheet?
Apply what you learned in this article and transform your international shopping experience today.
Get Yoybuy Spreadsheet