How to Use Litbuy Like a Pro
Once you know the basics, these advanced tactics will help you use Litbuy more efficiently and get better results on every order.
The Notes Column — Your Most Important Tool
Spend 90% of your research time in the notes column. Markers like V2 or Updated mean a known flaw was fixed. B-grade means acceptable defects at a lower price. Size down or Size up overrides the standard chart. TTS confirms standard sizing. These codes save you from bad purchases.
Mastering the Filter System
The spreadsheet filter system is your first and most powerful tool. Before doing anything else, apply these three filters simultaneously:
1. Category filter: Show only the category you want
2. Size filter: Show only your size (eliminates 60–80% of rows immediately)
3. Price filter: Set a range that matches your budget
This typically reduces a 10,000-row catalog to 50–200 relevant items — a manageable list. Now you can actually compare meaningfully.
Reading the Notes Column Like an Expert
The notes column contains a shorthand vocabulary that experienced buyers use fluently. Here are the key terms and what they mean:
- **TTS** (True to Size): Order your standard size
- **Size up** or **Size down**: The batch deviates from standard sizing
- **V2**, **V3** etc.: Batch version number — higher usually means improvements
- **Updated**: A known issue from a previous batch has been fixed
- **B-grade**: Minor defects, priced lower — the defects are usually listed
- **QC note**: A specific quality observation from an experienced buyer
- **Sold out**: No longer available in this batch (check for restocks)
Read every note before adding an item to your wishlist. A 30-second note read can save you from a bad purchase.
The Three-Item Comparison Method
Never buy the first item you see. For any category you are browsing, open at least three similar items simultaneously and compare:
1. Notes column content — which has the best quality markers?
2. Price tier — is the premium option worth the difference for this specific item?
3. Full catalog images — do the photos look consistent and accurate?
4. Size availability — is your size in stock for all three?
5. Community feedback — any recent reviews for that batch?
After this comparison, you will have a clear winner or a much better sense of what trade-offs you are making.
Building a Wishlist Before You Buy
Impulse purchasing is the single biggest source of buyer regret in spreadsheet buying. Build a wishlist first:
1. Add a personal column to the spreadsheet for ratings
2. Rate items on a 1–5 scale as you browse
3. Review your top-rated items after 24 hours (sleep on it)
4. Remove anything you are no longer confident about
5. Order only what remains after that review
This process cuts impulsive purchases by about 60% and significantly improves satisfaction with the items you receive.
Coordinating Group Orders
Shipping per item drops substantially when you order more pieces together. The sweet spot is usually 4–6 items per order. Coordinate with friends who buy from similar categories:
- Share your shortlist and have them add their items
- Combine into a single order to split shipping
- QC review together (more eyes catch more issues)
Group orders also give you more negotiating power if a QC issue arises — sellers prefer to resolve issues with buyers who place larger orders.
Tracking Price History
Prices in the spreadsheet fluctuate based on batch quality and demand. Experienced buyers maintain a personal log:
- Note the price and quality tier for items you want
- If an item is out of stock, record the last known price
- When it restocks, compare the new price to your record
- A price increase often signals a quality improvement (new batch)
- A price decrease may indicate a B-grade batch or excess inventory
This context makes pricing decisions much more informed.
How to use Litbuy? Treat it as a research discipline, not impulse shopping. The buyers who get the best results spend the most time preparing before they buy.
