OrientDig Product Research Guide
Use this OrientDig product research guide to compare spreadsheet notes, product finds, QC photos, item links, and shipping information.
OrientDig Product Research Workflow
An effective product research workflow moves through distinct phases: discovery, screening, detailed evaluation, QC review, and final decision. The discovery phase involves browsing spreadsheets and finds to identify potential products. The screening phase eliminates products that do not meet basic criteria like budget or category interest. The detailed evaluation phase compares promising products on price, quality indicators, and seller information. The QC review phase examines actual warehouse photos of received products. The final decision phase considers all gathered information alongside shipping costs and personal preferences.
Spreadsheet Notes
Spreadsheet notes are annotations that provide context beyond basic product data. Quality notes include specific observations about sizing accuracy, material quality, QC results, and shipping experiences. When evaluating spreadsheet notes, prioritize those with recent dates and specific details. Notes from months ago may reflect outdated information about sellers, products, or shipping experiences. Cross-reference spreadsheet notes with QC photos and finder notes from other researchers for a more complete understanding of product quality.
Product Link References
Product links are the foundation of detailed product research. Each link leads to a specific product page showing photos, descriptions, size options, pricing, and seller information. Check every link before relying on it. Verify that the page loads correctly and matches the spreadsheet or find description. Links can become dead, redirected, or lead to different products over time. Regular link verification is part of responsible research. Keep notes on which links are active and which are outdated.
QC Photo Checks
QC photo review is a critical step in the research workflow. Compare QC photos against listing photos for each product you are seriously considering. Check stitching quality, logo placement, tag accuracy, material texture, color under warehouse lighting, and packaging condition. QC photos show one sample from one batch. Quality can vary between batches. Use QC photos as one of several research tools, not as the sole basis for decisions. If standard QC photos do not show a specific detail, request extra photos.
Shipping Planning
Shipping planning should begin during the product research phase, not after products are selected. Estimate the weight of each product you are considering. Understand how consolidation changes total weight and dimensions. Compare express and economy shipping line options. Budget for potential customs charges. Check that your preferred shipping line delivers to your destination. Products that are a good value on their own may become less attractive after factoring in shipping costs.
Comparison Table
Building a comparison table helps organize research across multiple products. Create columns for product name, seller, price, QC availability, shipping weight estimate, and notes. Fill in the table as you research each product. This structured approach makes it easier to compare products objectively and identify which ones best meet your criteria. A well-maintained comparison table also serves as a reference for future research, helping you build knowledge about sellers and product types over time.
Common Mistakes
Common product research mistakes include assuming all links work, treating spreadsheet notes as verified facts, skipping QC photo review, researching too many products at once, and ignoring shipping costs when comparing product prices. Start with a focused product list. Check every link before relying on it. Review QC photos systematically. Compare total costs including shipping rather than product prices alone. Being methodical in your research approach reduces the likelihood of unexpected outcomes.
Disclaimer: Spreadsheet-OrientDig.com is an independent educational spreadsheet and product research resource. It is not the official OrientDig website and is not affiliated with OrientDig. External product links and spreadsheet references are for research only. We do not sell products, process orders, handle shipping, or guarantee product quality, seller quality, link availability, prices, shipping fees, customs results, or delivery times.