How to Read the Hipobuy Spreadsheet Color Codes

The color coding system in the Hipobuy spreadsheet is the fastest way to assess risk before you click a link. But colors are not absolute guarantees. They are community consensus snapshots that change over time. This guide explains what each color means, how the ratings are assigned, and why you should always pair color codes with recent reviews.

Green: Community Approved

Green rows indicate that a batch or factory has received consistently positive feedback across multiple community sources. This usually means:

• On-hand reviews confirm material accuracy.
• QC albums show minimal flaws.
• The factory has a track record of at least 3-6 months of stable output.

**Caveat:** Green can fade. A factory that was green six months ago may have switched materials, lost a skilled worker, or changed suppliers. Always check the date of the most recent review.

Yellow: Mixed Feedback

Yellow rows are the most common color in the spreadsheet. They indicate that the batch has both positive and negative reviews, or that quality varies depending on the specific item or colorway. Yellow is not a warning to avoid; it is a signal to do more research. Before ordering a yellow item:

• Read at least 3 recent QC albums.
• Check if the negative reviews are about a specific colorway or size.
• Ask in community threads if anyone has ordered the same item in the past 30 days.

Red: Known Issues

Red rows should be approached with caution. They indicate batches with documented, repeatable flaws. Common reasons for a red rating include:

• Material substitution (e.g., advertised leather is actually PU).
• Consistent sizing errors.
• Print or embroidery misalignment that appears in multiple QC albums.
• Factory bait-and-switch behavior.

**When to consider red:** If you are on an extreme budget and the flaws are cosmetic only, a red batch may still be wearable. Read the Notes column to understand exactly what is wrong.

Uncolored: No Data Yet

Uncolored rows are the wildcards. They are usually new factory releases, restocks after a long gap, or niche items that have not attracted community attention. Ordering uncolored items means you are the test buyer. The risk is higher, but so is the chance of discovering an underrated factory before the community catches on.

How Ratings Are Updated

The spreadsheet is maintained by community volunteers. Updates happen weekly or biweekly depending on the category. The most active categories (Shoes, Hoodies) are updated faster than niche categories (Jerseys, Accessories). If you see a row that looks outdated, flag it in the community channel.

Best Practice: Color + Date + Source

Never rely on color alone. The best buyers use a three-point check:

1. **Color:** Green, yellow, red, or uncolored.
2. **Date:** When was the last confirmed review?
3. **Source:** Is the review from a trusted community member with a history of detailed QC?

If all three align positively, your risk is minimized. If any of the three are questionable, dig deeper before ordering.