Use each tool for the job it handles well.
| Tool | Best moment | Weak moment |
|---|---|---|
| Search | You know a product term, model, feature, or source link. | Your wording is vague and results mix unrelated uses. |
| Category directory | You know the product type and want a fair comparison set. | You need to remember personal notes across several candidates. |
| Spreadsheet | You have a small set and need evidence, risk, and next-action notes. | You are still collecting every interesting product you see. |
Use one question to choose the next screen.
Can you name the product type?No → open the category map.
Can you describe the intended use?No → browse examples before saving anything.
Do you know the exact wording or model?Yes → search with the narrow term.
Do you already have three comparable candidates?Yes → stop browsing and use the sheet.
A five-pass workflow keeps the list calm.
- 1
Open one category.
Choose a shelf that matches the intended product and use.
- 2
Scan before saving.
Notice the range of shapes, features, and price references.
- 3
Search narrowly.
Use the feature or model that now matters.
- 4
Promote only comparable options.
Move three to five candidates into the sheet.
- 5
Decide and close the loop.
Add evidence, uncertainty, and next action; then remove duplicates.
Treat an older sheet as a lead, not a live catalog.
A saved row can remain useful after its price, option, seller page, or agent-formatted link changes, but only as a clue to the product type and source. Mark the date you checked it, preserve the original URL when available, and compare the current page with the saved title and images.
If the destination no longer matches, do not silently swap in a similar product. Archive the old row, search the relevant category again, and score the replacement as a new candidate. This keeps old evidence from being attached to a different item.
Example: finding a daily bag.
Category pass: open Bags to understand tote, shoulder, crossbody, and backpack options.
Search pass: narrow to “small crossbody adjustable strap” once the use is clear.
Sheet pass: compare three candidates on dimensions, opening, interior layout, strap range, hardware, and likely packed shape.
Switch signal
Change tools when the question changes.
Browsing should end when discovery is no longer the problem. A sheet should end when the remaining rows already have a clear keep, compare, wait, or remove action.
Next: Account for weight and packaging before calling one option better value.
Read the shipping context guideOpen the category directory →