Give one point for each check the row clearly passes. Keep six- or seven-point rows on the shortlist, research four- or five-point rows, and remove lower scores until better evidence appears.
The seven-point checklist
- The item belongs in the category I am browsing.
- Photos show the details that matter for this product type.
- Sizing, measurements, or fit notes are visible when needed.
- Price makes sense beside similar finds.
- Shipping weight does not ruin the value.
- The row is not just hype or a vague label.
- I can explain why I would save this find.
Score your row
The score is a triage tool, not a quality guarantee. A high score means the row provides enough information for comparison; it does not verify a seller or predict the final item.
QC photos should match the category question
| Category | Useful QC photo checks |
|---|---|
| Shoes and sneakers | Both sides, toe, heel, sole, interior label, pair alignment, and size marking |
| Hoodies and shirts | Front, back, collar or hood, cuffs, seams, print or embroidery close-up, and measurements |
| Jackets | Front and back, lining, closures, pockets, sleeve and body measurements, and material detail |
| Bags | Front, back, base, interior, hardware, straps, seams, and a size reference |
| Watches and jewelry | Face or front, side, back, clasp, finish, engravings or markings, and dimensions |
The photos matter only when you can connect them to the right item and option. If that match is unclear, do not use the images to score the row.
Good row and weak row example
“Padded jacket, measured”
The row links to the matching source, shows front, back, lining, zipper, and measurements, sits near comparable jackets in price, and includes enough weight context to estimate parcel impact.
Score: 7 / 7
“Best jacket — must buy”
The link title does not match, the image is a single front view, no size table appears, and the low price has no material or weight context.
Score: 2 / 7
Worked example: score one sneaker row
Assume the row links to the right sneaker, shows both sides and the sole, lists sizes but no insole measurement, is priced near two similar rows, and has only a generic weight estimate.
| Check | Result | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Right category | 1 | The row and destination both describe the same sneaker. |
| Useful photos | 1 | Side views and the sole answer basic shape questions. |
| Fit evidence | 0 | Size labels appear, but no measurement helps compare fit. |
| Price context | 1 | Two comparable rows provide a reasonable range. |
| Weight context | 0 | The estimate is not matched to the item or packaging. |
| Clear wording | 1 | The label is descriptive rather than promotional. |
| Reason to save | 1 | The photo coverage is stronger than the alternatives. |
Some problems override the total score
A score helps sort incomplete rows, but it should not rescue a row with a fundamental mismatch. Pause or remove the candidate when:
- The destination is a different product or an unexplained domain.
- The available size cannot meet the requirement, even if every other detail is strong.
- The photos cannot be connected to the selected option or current listing.
- A required compatibility detail, restriction, or current policy is missing.
- The row asks for account credentials, payment, or support through an unverified channel.
The one-sentence save rule
Save the row only when you can finish this sentence: “This is worth keeping because it shows ___ more clearly than the other rows I compared.”
If the blank can only be filled with “it is popular,” “it looks cheap,” or “someone said best,” the row needs more work.
What to do next
Move strong candidates into a small shortlist. Reopen the source page, check current details, and review shipping weight before treating the price as meaningful. For weak rows, do not spend time inventing explanations that the listing should provide.
