Decoding Acbuy Spreadsheet Jargon: Your Guide to Lost, Damaged & Missing Item Claims
If you've ever stared at an acbuy spreadsheet feeling like you're reading ancient hieroglyphics while your coveted Margiela Tabis in shipping limbo, you're not alone. Understanding the terminology aroun crucial when you're investing in thoseail pieces—whether it's a vintage Car the latest Salomon sneakers everyone's wearing this season.
Essential Spreadsheet Terms You Need to Know
Before diving into crisis management, let's decode the basic language. Your acbuy spreadsheet is essentially your shopping command center, tracking everything from your minimalist capsule wardrobe sta impulsive 3am purchases of Y2K butterfly clips.
Order Status Terminology
The status column tells your item's story. 'Purchased' means your agent grabbed that piece before it sold out. 'Arrive Warehouse' is when your item hits the inspection facility—this is where QC photos happen. 'Shipped' means it's left China and is en route to you. But when things go sideways, you'll see terms like 'Exception,' 'Held,' or the dreaded 'Lost in Transit.'
'Pending Inspection' appears when items need extra scrutiny, common with leather goods or technical outerwear like those Arcteryx shells everyone's layering this fall. 'Returned to Seller' happens when quality issues are caught early—a good thing when you're ordering that cashmere knit.
Weight and Measurement Codes
Understanding 'Estimated Weight' versus 'Actual Weight' saves money and headaches. The estimate is what the seller claims; actual weight is what your warehouse measures. This discrepancy matters when you're shipping a haul of chunky New Balance 2002Rs versus delicate silk slip dresses for that coastal grandmother aesthetic.
Navigating Lost Item Scenarios
When an item goes missing, specific terminology kicks in. 'Tracking Stagnant' means your package hasn't updated in 10+ days—not uncommon during peak seasons when everyone's ordering their winter puffers simultaneously.
Domestic vs International Loss
'Lost Domestic' refers to items missing within China before reaching the warehouse. This is actually easier to resolve since your agent can directly contact the seller. 'Lost International' means your package vanished after leaving China—more complex but still manageable with proper documentation.
The term 'Proof of Shipment' (POS) becomes your best friend here. This document shows the seller actually sent the item. Without it, claiming that missing Lemaire trench coat becomes significantly harder. Your spreadsheet should note if POS exists in a dedicated column.
Insurance and Compensation Terms
'Declared Value' is what stated your items are worth for customs and insurance. Be strategic here—undervalue too much and you're unprotected if your package of Japanese denim disappears. The 'Ins' is what you'll actually receive if things go wrong, minus any deductibles.
'Parcel Protection' or 'Shipping Insurance add-ons that cost 2-5% of your haul value. For high-value items like leather designer knitwear, this is non-negotiable. The spreadsheet typically has a checkbox column for this.
Damaged Item Documentation
When your package arrives looking like it went through a fashion weekosh pit, specific terminology helps you claims effectively.
Damage Classification Codes
'Minor Damage' covers fixable issues—a loose button on your Oxford shirt or slight box crushing that doesn't affect the product. 'Major Damage' means the item is unwearable or significantly compromised, like a cracked leather sole on those Salomons or a rored blazer.
'Packaging Damage' versus 'Product Damage' is a crucial distinction. If the shoebox for your Dunks is crushed but the sneakers are pristine, that's packaging damage—annoying for resellers but not claim-worthy for personal use. damage affects the actual item and warrants compensation.
Photo Evidence Requirements
Your 'QC Photos Received' with dates. These warehouse quality control images are your first line of defense. When damage occurs transit, you'll need 'Unboxing Video' or 'Damage Photos' taken immediately upon receipt. The terminology 'Timestamped Evidence' refers to photos with visible dates proving when damage was discovered.
For luxury items or technical gear, 'Detailed Inspection Photos close-ups of stitching, hardware, and materials. These become critical when claiming that your Loro Piana cashmere arrived with pulls or your Arc'teryx jacket has a faulty zipper.
Missing Item Protocol
Sometimes your haul arrives but items are missing—different from a lost package. The term 'Partial Delivery some items arrived while others didn't.
Warehouse Verification Steps
'Inventory Discrepancy' means what was supposed to ship doesn't match what actually shipped. Your spreadsheet should have a 'Packed Confirmation' column showing your agent verifie item before sealing the package. Without this, proving items are missing becomes your word against theirs.
'Packing List' is the holy grail document—it itemizes everything in your parcel. Cross-reference this with your spreadsheet's 'Items Shipped' column. Any m a 'Missing Item Claim' process.
Claim Filing Terminology
'Dispute Window' is your timeframe to report issues, usually 7-14 days after delivery. Miss this and you're out that missing Stussy hoodie. The spreadsheet should have a 'Delivery' column to track this deadline.
'Resolution Options' include refund, replacement, or store credit. 'Refund to Balance' means money goes back to your agent account for future purchases—useful when you're already planning your spring wardrobe. 'Original Payment Method' refund takes longer but gets money back to your card.
Effective communication requires understanding agent shorthand in your spreadsheet notes.
Common Agent Abbreviations
'OOS' means out of stock—that viral TikTok find sold out before your agent could grab it. 'BS' (bait and switch) indicates the seller sent something different than advertised. 'RL' (red light) means you rejected the item based on QC photos, while 'GL' (green light) means you approved it for shipping.
'ETA' is estimate though international shipping makes this more than guarantee. 'Delayed' with a reason code (weather, customs, holidays) explains why your package isn't moving. During Lunar New Year or Golden Week, expect 'Seller Holiday' notations.
When standard processes fail, 'Escalated to Manager' appears in your spreadsheet notes. This means your case needs higher-level attention. 'Investigation Pending' indicates they're actively researching your lost package of Japanese workwear or damaged leather goods.
'Carrier Claim Filed' means your agent submitted paperwork to the shipping company. This process takes 30-60 days typically, sod. The spreadsheet should track 'Claim Status' with updates like 'Under Review,' 'Additional Info Needed,' or 'Approved.'
Prevention and Best Practices
Understanding terminology helps, but prevention is better. Your spreadsheet should include a 'Risk Level' column for items. High pieces, fragile items, or anything with complex sizing gets flagged for extra insurance and careful packing.
Smart Spreadsheet Management
Add custom columns for 'Photo Backup' links—store your QC photos in clou URLs in your spreadsheet. If disputes arise months later, you have evidence. Include a 'Notes' column for observations like 'seller has good reviews' or 'previous orders arrived damaged.'
Track 'Shipping Method' carefully. Budget are cheaper but have higher loss rates. For that investment piecewhether it's a Lemaire coat or handcrafted Japanese denim—spring for tracked, insured shipping. Your spreadsheet's 'Shipping Cost' versus 'Item Value' ratio helps make smart decisions.
Seasonal Considerations
Add a 'Season Ordered' column because timing affects risk. Ordering winter coats in November means competing with peak season chaos—higher loss and damage rates. Your spreadsheet can track historical patterns, helping you avoid ordering that perfect puffer during the worst possible window.
Understanding these terms transforms you from confused shopper to informe. When your spreadsheet shows 'Exception' on that package containing your carefully curated spring wardrobe, you'll know exactly what questions to ask and which to provide. Whether you're building a minimalist capsule wardrobe or hunting down specific pieces, mastering this terminology protects your investments and reduces stress when things inevitably go sideways in the complex world of international fashion shopping.