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Notes from the people making Metzee, and from the sellers on it.
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Getting the size right when buying furniture
Measure the piece, then measure your door, your stairs and the turn at the top.
Getting the size right when buying outdoor gear
A two-person tent means two people and nothing else. Ask for the floor dimensions.
Getting the size right when buying sports equipment
Specification is sizing here, and most of it has standard names that mean something.
Getting the size right when buying baby and child items
An age on a label is not a size. Measure the child, then measure the garment.
Getting the size right when buying bags and accessories
Three dimensions and a strap drop. Photographs lie about bag size in both directions.
Getting the size right when buying sarees and ethnic wear
Length, width, blouse piece, and how much seam allowance is left.
Getting the size right when buying womenswear
Flat measurements, and the one question that makes them meaningful: was it stretched?
Getting the size right when buying menswear
Measure a shirt you already like. That one habit is worth more than any size chart.
Getting the size right when buying sneakers
The number on the tag depends on which region printed it. The insole does not.
How saree condition is described
No scale, and three places that decide it: the folds, the zari and the borders.
How furniture condition is described
Measurements, material, surfaces, repairs. There is no scale and no need for one.
How baby and child items are assessed
Three checks that come before any condition word, and one that can stop the sale.
How outdoor gear is graded
By whether it still performs — and storage counts for more than use.
How sports equipment is graded
By what it can still do. Match condition, practice condition, worn.
How electronics condition is described
A state, then the specifics. And "working" is a claim, not a grade.
How minerals are described
Not graded — identified. Species, locality, treatment, damage.
How cricket memorabilia is assessed
Worn, issued or replica first. Condition is the second question, not the first.
How sports memorabilia is assessed
Two statements, never blended: what it looks like, and what you can prove.
How film posters are graded
Described rather than scored — and every intervention named.
How antiques are assessed
Not a grade — a history. Original, repaired, restored, married.
How bag condition is described
Five headings, no scale, and a word that has to be followed by specifics.
How jewellery and watches are assessed
There is no condition grade. There is a hallmark, a laboratory report and a service history — three different things.
How collectibles are graded
Most of the time, they are not. Here is what to say instead of a number.
How toys and collectibles are graded
Two objects, two grades — and for anything boxed, the cardboard carries the price.
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