What to Track in Your ACBuy Spreadsheet
A spreadsheet is only as good as the data you put into it. Most beginner resellers track just two things: what they bought and what they paid. But the best acbuy spreadsheet users capture far more detail, and that detail is what separates profitable sellers from broke hobbyists. Here is the complete tracking checklist.
Essential Product Data
These are the non-negotiable fields. Skip any of these and your math will be wrong.
- Product Name + SKU — Be specific. Include brand, color, and size. The SKU is your search anchor when you have 300 rows.
- ACBuy Source Link — Paste the exact product URL. When restocking time comes, you will thank yourself.
- Purchase Price (CNY) — The listing price in yuan. Always record the original currency, not your converted guess.
- Agent Name — Different agents charge different fees and shipping rates. Tracking this reveals who is actually cheapest over time.
- Agent Fee — Usually a percentage. Some agents also charge per-photo inspection fees. Include everything.
Shipping and Logistics
Shipping is where most resellers lose money without realizing it. Your acbuy spreadsheet needs to split this into three distinct layers.
Domestic shipping (seller to agent)
Often 8-15 CNY. Easy to ignore, but on 50 items it adds up to real money.
International shipping (agent to you)
The big one. Record the estimated cost at order time, then update with the actual invoice when it ships.
Local delivery (to your buyer)
If you ship domestically to buyers, add this column. It affects your true net margin.
Financial Metrics
These columns turn your acbuy spreadsheet from a record-keeper into a decision-making tool.
- True Landed Cost — Product + agent fee + domestic shipping + international shipping + any extras. This is the only number that matters for profit.
- Listed Selling Price — What you plan to list it for. Update this if market prices shift before you sell.
- Platform Fees — eBay takes 13%. Depop takes 10%. Your own site takes payment processing. Deduct the real number.
- Net Profit — Selling price minus landed cost minus platform fees. The bottom line.
- Margin Percentage — Net profit divided by selling price. Aim for 25% minimum, 40% ideal.
Status and Timeline Tracking
Knowing where every item sits in the pipeline prevents anxiety, double-orders, and missed delivery windows.
| Status | What It Means | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Ordered | You paid, seller has the order | Wait 3-5 days |
| Warehouse Received | Agent confirmed receipt + photos | Review QC photos, approve or reject |
| Shipped | International label created | Track the shipment, notify buyers |
| Delivered | Package in your hands | Inspect, photograph, list for sale |
| Listed | Live on your selling platform | Monitor views, adjust pricing |
| Sold | Buyer paid, item shipped out | Archive row, record final margin |
Optional Power-User Columns
Once you master the basics, add these fields to unlock advanced insights.
- Category — Shoes, hoodies, accessories. Helps you identify which niches are most profitable.
- Season — Spring, summer, fall, winter. Reveals buying patterns and helps you time restocks.
- Days to Sell — Delivered date minus sold date. Shorter is better. Averages show inventory health.
- Return Rate — Track if buyers send items back. High return SKUs may need better QC photos.
- Supplier Rating — Your own 1-5 star rating of the seller. Builds your private supplier database over time.
Get the Complete Tracking Template
Our free acbuy spreadsheet includes every column listed above, pre-formatted and ready to use.
FAQ
Do I really need all these columns?
No. Start with the essential 8. Add power-user columns once you are comfortable. The template is modular.
What if an order has multiple items?
Use the Bulk Buyer template. It splits shared shipping across items automatically.
Should I track returns?
Yes. Returns kill margin. If a SKU has a return rate above 15%, stop buying it.
How often should I update statuses?
Daily for 5 minutes. Update all statuses at once. Batch processing is faster than one-by-one.
Conclusion
The acbuy spreadsheet is not just a list. It is a business intelligence dashboard disguised as a simple table. The more disciplined you are about tracking every relevant field, the faster you will spot profitable trends, eliminate losing products, and scale with confidence. Start with the essentials. Add power columns as you grow. The data will guide every smart decision you make.
Start Tracking Everything That Matters
Download the full-featured acbuy spreadsheet template and build your data foundation.