Ready to Shop Smarter?
Use the cnshopper spreadsheet to track every order, compare prices, and never miss a delivery again. Then head to our main store for the best deals.
One of the most common questions from new spreadsheet users is: "What exactly should I be writing down?" The answer depends on your goals, but there is a core set of fields that every cnshopper spreadsheet should track — whether you are a casual buyer, a bulk collector, or a full-time reseller. This guide breaks down each field, explains why it matters, and tells you when you can safely skip it.
The Essential Five
If you only track five things, track these. They answer the three questions that matter most: What did I order? What did I pay? Where is it now?
| Field | Why It Matters | Skip If... |
|---|---|---|
| Date Ordered | Know when to expect delivery and chase delays | You track batch dates instead |
| Supplier Name | Identify who delivers fast and who causes problems | You only buy from one source |
| SKU / Item Code | Reference exact product without confusion | You only buy unique one-offs |
| Total Cost | Track budget and calculate profit automatically | You do not care about spending totals |
| Status | See what needs attention every morning at a glance | You check supplier websites daily |
The Reseller Seven
If you buy to resell, you need two extra fields to understand your business: Sold Price and Platform Fee. Sold Price minus Total Cost minus Platform Fee equals your real profit. Without these two columns, you are flying blind on whether your business is actually making money.
- Sold Price: What you actually sold the item for, not what you listed it for
- Platform Fee: eBay, Depop, Grailed, and other marketplace commissions
- Net Profit: Auto-calculated via formula, your true earnings per item
- Days to Sell: How long between order date and sale date, helps predict cash flow
Optional but Powerful Fields
Shipping Method
Track EMS vs DHL vs sea freight. Over time, you will see which method balances speed and cost best for your country.
QC Status
Did you or an agent inspect the item before it shipped? Mark 'Passed' or 'Flagged' to avoid receiving bad stock.
Payment Method
PayPal, Wise, bank transfer — note it so you can match transactions when reconciling accounts.
Weight
Critical for bulk buyers calculating shipping cost per kilogram across different suppliers.
Photo URL
Use IMAGE() formula to display a thumbnail. Spot items visually without reading descriptions.
Notes
Free-text field for anything unusual: customs issues, fragile handling, or special requests.
What Not to Track
More data is not always better. Avoid tracking fields that you never act on. For example, tracking the exact minute you placed an order is usually useless — the date is enough. Tracking the supplier's internal warehouse location rarely helps unless you visit that warehouse. Be ruthless about deleting columns you have not looked at in a month.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to track everything?
What if my supplier does not use SKUs?
Should I track shipping separately from item cost?
Is tracking profit necessary if I do not resell?
Start Using the CNShopper Spreadsheet
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned reseller, the cnshopper spreadsheet is the simplest way to stay organized, save time, and protect your profits.
Download a free template, explore our guides, and start tracking your orders the smart way today.