The usfans Sheets look simple — rows, columns and links — but the structure is deliberate. This guide explains how the usfans Product Spreadsheet is organised into eight categories, what each column tells you, and which of the four marketplaces — Taobao, 1688, Weidian or Pinduoduo — usually suits each category best.
For the overall buying process, see the usfans Spreadsheet playbook.
Why eight categories?
Grouping products by type lets you compare like with like. A hoodie should be judged against other hoodies — on fabric weight, fit and price — not against a jacket that happens to sit nearby. The eight categories also map neatly onto how parcels are built: some categories are heavy anchors, others are light extras.
The columns, explained
| Column | What it tells you | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Photo | What the product looks like | A starting point; confirm with real photos |
| Name | A short English description | Helps you scan quickly |
| Platform | Taobao, 1688, Weidian or Pinduoduo | Decides which checks to run |
| Price | Usually CNY with an approximate conversion | Excludes shipping and fees |
| Weight | Approximate item weight | Estimate shipping and balance parcels |
| Size notes | Fit advice or measurements | Compare with your own numbers |
| Link | The product listing | Paste into usfans to order |
The eight categories and their best sources
Shoes
Fit and construction matter most here, so established Taobao shops and specialist Weidian sellers are usually the best sources. Look for insole length in millimetres and multiple real photos of the sole and sides. Shoes are heavy and bulky, so treat them as an anchor item.
Hoodies/Sweaters
Available on all four platforms. Taobao and Weidian offer more designs; 1688 is strong for heavyweight blanks. Fabric weight and composition are the key columns to read. See the materials guide for fleece and French terry.
T-Shirts
1688 multipacks offer exceptional value for basics. Taobao and Weidian are better for prints and stripes. T-shirts are light and cheap to ship — the perfect test purchase from a new seller.
Jackets
The highest-value category and the most sensitive to shipping cost. Choose Taobao shops with detailed fabric information and buyer photos. Pair jackets with dense items like jeans to make the parcel efficient.
Pants/Shorts
Waist and inseam measurements decide everything. Taobao listings usually provide them; on other platforms, ask the agent to measure. Jeans are dense, so they ship efficiently alongside bulky items.
Headwear
Caps and bucket hats are light, cheap and forgiving on fit. Pinduoduo and 1688 offer plain styles at very low prices; Taobao has more designs.
Accessories
Watches, belts and bags add value without adding much weight. Taobao offers the widest range; Pinduoduo is ideal for simple, inexpensive pieces.
Other Stuff
Eyewear, mugs, small tech and lifestyle items. Pinduoduo is a natural source. Judge these on measurements and real photos, since there is no sizing to rely on.
Category summary
| Category | Role in parcel | Best first source |
|---|---|---|
| Shoes | Anchor | Taobao / Weidian |
| Hoodies/Sweaters | Anchor or core | Taobao / 1688 |
| T-Shirts | Core | 1688 |
| Jackets | Anchor | Taobao |
| Pants/Shorts | Core | Taobao |
| Headwear | Extra | Pinduoduo |
| Accessories | Extra | Taobao / Pinduoduo |
| Other Stuff | Extra | Pinduoduo |
Reading the sheet efficiently
- Start with one category. Choose your anchor first.
- Use the weight column as you go. Keep a running total so shipping does not surprise you.
- Note the platform. Buying several items from the same seller saves domestic shipping.
- Shortlist before clicking. Open links only for rows that pass a first look.
Building an order across categories
The categories are designed to work together. A practical approach is to choose one anchor from Shoes, Jackets or Hoodies/Sweaters, then add core pieces from T-Shirts and Pants/Shorts, and finish with light extras from Headwear, Accessories and Other Stuff. This mirrors how a good parcel is built: one or two heavier items give it purpose, mid-weight basics give it everyday value, and small extras raise the number of useful items without adding much to shipping.
Keep an eye on the platform column while you do this. If your anchor comes from a Taobao shop that also sells tees or caps you like, buying them together saves on domestic shipping. If your basics come from 1688, check whether the minimum order quantity suits you or whether a friend wants to share a multipack.
When a product fits two categories
Some items sit between categories — a lightweight overshirt might appear in jackets or tees, a crossbody bag in accessories or other stuff. Check both if you cannot find what you want. The category is a browsing aid, not a strict rule.
Keeping the sheet useful
Bookmark the category pages you return to most often. Many buyers check the same two or three categories — usually T-Shirts, Pants/Shorts and Accessories — before every order, because those are the pieces they replace most often.
Listings change and stock sells out, so treat the sheet as a curated shortlist and the live listing in the agent as the final word on price and availability. If a link no longer works, the same category usually has a close alternative. To learn how to judge alternatives safely, read the links safety guide.
Summary
The usfans Product Spreadsheet works best when you use its structure: browse by category, read the columns in order, and match each category to the marketplace that suits it. Do that, and the sheet becomes a fast, reliable shopping tool rather than a long list of links.