Mastering the Language of Spreadsheet Shopping

Shopping with CNFans spreadsheets is a powerful skill, but it comes with its own cryptic vocabulary. Terms like '1:1', 'GL/RL', and obscure sizing descriptions can turn an exciting find into a confusing chore. This guide cuts through the jargon and shows you how to leverage translation tools to shop confidently and accurately.

Essential CNFans Spreadsheet Jargon

Understanding these key terms is your first step.

• 1:1, 0.9:1, etc.: Refers to how close a replica is to the genuine item. 1:1 implies near-perfect, while 0.9:1 means minor, often unnoticeable flaws.
• GL (Green Light) / RL (Red Light): Community verdicts on quality. GL means approve the item for shipment, RL means reject it and ask for an exchange or refund.
• YC / LY / SY Factory, etc.: Code names for specific, well-regarded manufacturers known for quality in certain brands or items.
• B&S (Bait and Switch): A scam where a seller shows pictures of a high-quality item but ships a lower-quality version.
• W2C (Where to Cop): The link to purchase the item.
• GP (Guinea Pig): To be the first to order and review a newly listed item.
• Agent: The service (like CNFans itself) that purchases, stores, and ships your items from Chinese platforms.
• Pandabuy/WeGoBuy/Etc.: Names of other popular shopping agent platforms, often referenced for price or service comparisons.
• Fat Dong Lai / FDL: A slang term for 'photos taken by the agent' during the Quality Control process, literally meaning 'send big, detailed photos'.

The Art of Using Translation Tools Effectively

Most critical product information is in Chinese. Simple copy-paste translation often fails. Here's how to do it right.

Choosing and Configuring Your Tool

For web browsers, use extensions like Google Translate extension or Mate Translate. They allow you to hover over or instantly translate entire product pages. For mobile, apps like Google Translate (with camera and conversation modes) and Pleco (for advanced Chinese dictionary lookups) are indispensable.

Translating Key Information Accurately

• Size Charts: Don't just translate the 'S, M, L.' You must translate the accompanying centimeter/millimeter measurements for bust, waist, length, and shoulder width. Use 'Chinese measurements to [your size]' as a search term to find conversion guides.
• Material Descriptions: Translate terms like '羊绒' (cashmere), '纯棉' (pure cotton), or '头层牛皮' (top-grain cowhide). Context is king here; cross-reference with product images.
• Seller Notes & Warnings: These often detail flaws, color discrepancies ('色差'), care instructions, or special ordering instructions. Accurate translation here prevents RLs and disappointment.
• Reviews & QC Comments: Copy user-review text or the 'internal spreadsheet review' notes into a translator. Look for repeated terms about comfort, accuracy, or common issues.

Strategic Troubleshooting for Bad Translations

When a direct translation produces gibberish, break the text into smaller chunks. Try multiple translation engines—DeepL often handles complex sentences better than Google for some languages. Use the image translation feature on multi-image slides that contain text. Most importantly, screenshot confusing terms and ask in the CNFans Community forum. Fellow users will often provide the nuanced, correct meaning.

Creating Your Translation Bridge

Build a personal glossary. As you learn terms like '现货' (in stock) or '预售' (pre-sale), save them in a note. This habit transforms you from a decoder to a fluent reader, making your spreadsheet navigation fast, efficient, and vastly more accurate. The ultimate goal is not perfect Chinese, but perfect comprehension of the product you're about to buy.