Start with the destination. Check the destination domain, title and images, selected option, measurements, price context, photo relevance, likely weight, and duplicate status. If two core details disagree, remove the row until you can explain the mismatch.
“The link opens” is only the first check
A live page may now show a different item, a low-priced accessory variation, an unavailable option, or a generic shop page. Redirects and link converters can also hide the original source. Treat a successful page load as evidence of reachability, not evidence that the row remains accurate.
Before opening anything, record what the spreadsheet claims: neutral item type, shown variation, displayed price, source name, photo note, size information, and any date. This gives you a reference for the audit.
The eight-step link audit
1. Identify the destination
Read the domain and page purpose. Does the URL lead to Taobao, Weidian, 1688, Yupoo, Findsindex, an agent platform, or an unexpected redirect? A catalog, marketplace listing, and search-result page provide different information. Do not treat them as interchangeable.
2. Match the item, not just the thumbnail
Compare the neutral product type, visible construction, color or material family, and important details. Similar images can be reused across options or listings. If the row says “zip jacket” and the destination defaults to a pullover or accessory, the row is not currently self-explanatory.
3. Inspect the selected option
Displayed prices often belong to the currently selected variation. Check whether that option is the full item, a deposit, a component, a small size, or another variation. The source page should make the item and option relationship clear enough to understand.
4. Find current measurements or specifications
For clothing and footwear, check the current chart or dimensions. For bags and jewelry, check scale and measurements. For electronics, check model, connector, voltage, included parts, and compatibility. A spreadsheet note is not a substitute for the current source.
5. Check whether the photos answer the same question
Confirm that photos relate to the same item and option. A polished listing image, a customer photo, and a warehouse QC image serve different purposes. Use the QC photo guide to decide which views should exist for the category.
6. Put price and weight back into context
Do not compare the displayed item price in isolation. Consider whether packaging, physical weight, parcel volume, and the chosen variation change the decision. Use official current tools for order-specific estimates; this site does not calculate shipping.
7. Look for duplicate rows
Duplicate links may use different titles or thumbnails. Compare the final destination, source identifier, option structure, and image set. If two rows resolve to the same place, keep the one with clearer notes and remove the duplicate from your shortlist.
8. Write a one-line verdict
Finish with one of three outcomes: “keep—destination and evidence match,” “research—one specific detail is missing,” or “remove—core details conflict.” A vague “maybe” creates another future task without telling you what to check.
How to handle converters and redirects
A link converter changes URL format so another platform can read it. It does not validate the source or create new product evidence. When possible, preserve the original link alongside the converted link. If the converted destination changes unexpectedly, you still have a source reference to compare.
Worked example: a hoodie row
Spreadsheet claim: heavyweight zip hoodie, size chart included, displayed price shown, Weidian source.
Current destination: the page opens, but the default low-price option is a replacement drawstring; the hoodie is another variation. The chart shows garment length and chest width, but no sleeve measurement. Photos cover the front and fabric but not the zip or cuffs.
Verdict: research more. The link is related, but the displayed price is misleading without the option context and two useful details remain missing.
This is more informative than marking the row “good” or “bad.” It tells you exactly what would change the verdict.
Dates help, but they do not prove freshness
A “2026” label or recent spreadsheet edit date may describe the document, not every destination. Check the current page itself. A row added recently can still reuse an old link, while an older source may remain relevant if the item, option, and evidence still match.
Protect your information while checking links
- Do not enter account credentials on a domain you did not intend to visit.
- Do not paste payment details, addresses, order numbers, or private support messages into public spreadsheets or converters.
- Use official platform channels for login, payment, refund, tracking, and dispute questions.
- Leave a page if the domain, security warning, or requested information does not match your purpose.
Stop rule: Remove the row when the destination item, selected option, or source purpose conflicts with the spreadsheet claim. Missing one secondary photo may justify more research; conflicting core details do not.
What to save in your notes
For a serious shortlist, save only five fields: neutral item name, original source, selected option, missing evidence, and verdict. This is enough to resume the comparison without copying a whole listing or storing sensitive information.
Next, use the seven-point save checklist, compare spreadsheet and directory workflows, or review the buyer safety notes.