A source label is context, not verification
An OOTDBuy spreadsheet may label a row Taobao, Weidian, 1688, Yupoo, original link or raw link. That label helps explain the route, but the destination can change, expire, redirect or describe a different variant. The link itself must still be checked.
Source labels become useful when they answer a concrete question: is this the original marketplace address, a routed version, or an image album that still needs a product page? Keep the URL beside the row so you can compare the destination with what was originally saved.
Separate two questions: “Where does this URL lead?” and “Does the destination support the row's description?” A correct domain does not automatically answer the second question.
How the common source terms differ
Taobao
A marketplace source. Product pages may contain variants, seller information, descriptions and images. Confirm which option the visible price and details refer to.
Weidian
A marketplace source often encountered in shared product links. Read the product page rather than assuming the spreadsheet title contains the full variant information.
1688
A marketplace associated with supplier and wholesale-style listings. Minimum quantities, tiered pricing or option differences may matter to the displayed information.
Yupoo
Often an image-album style source rather than a conventional checkout page. An album can help with visual browsing but may not provide complete price, variant or transaction context.
These are general browsing distinctions, not guarantees about every page. Interfaces and page behavior can change, so inspect the actual destination.
Raw, original, converted and routed links
A raw or original link usually means the source URL before another service rewrites it. A converted or routed link may add a platform-specific path or redirect so the source can be opened elsewhere. Routing can be convenient, but it adds another layer between the spreadsheet and the source.
This site does not run an OOTDBuy link converter. The search bars send a product name or pasted URL to Findsindex for discovery. You should still check the destination and use official channels for account, payment, order or support actions.
Five checks after opening a source link
- Confirm the domain and destination type. Make sure the page is what the row claims—a marketplace listing, album or directory result.
- Match the product identity. Compare category, visible design and description rather than relying on a shortened spreadsheet title.
- Match the variant. Check color, size, bundle, quantity and included parts before reading the price.
- Find the decision evidence. Look for measurements, specifications, useful photos and source details relevant to the category.
- Record what changed. If the source no longer matches the spreadsheet row, treat the row as stale or mismatched.
How to think about redirects and expired links
A redirect is not automatically harmful, and an expired product page is not proof of wrongdoing. But both change what the row can support. If a URL opens a home page, login wall, unrelated item or blank result, the spreadsheet label is no longer enough to keep the row.
Common source mismatches
- The row names one category while the destination opens another.
- The visible price belongs to an accessory, deposit, smallest option or quantity different from the intended item.
- The spreadsheet shows one color or version while the source defaults to another.
- An album has useful images but no matching marketplace or product details.
- A routed link opens a broad search rather than the exact source item.
When this happens, mark the specific mismatch. A precise note such as “price belongs to accessory option” is more useful than a vague warning.
Keep navigation separate from trust
A working link only proves that navigation succeeded. It does not prove product quality, seller reliability, payment safety, customs outcome or support availability. Use the buyer safety notes for external-link caution and official channels for any account or transaction question.
When search is more useful than a stale row
If the destination is missing or mismatched, start again with a neutral category and one measurable need: “hoodie size chart,” “bag dimensions,” or “shoe insole length.” The product-finding guide shows how to narrow the result without opening another long list.
Use the source in the wider comparison
Once a destination matches the row, inspect the images with the QC photo guide, normalize the candidate with the comparison method, and finish with the seven-point checklist.