What to Track in Your GTBuy Spreadsheet: The Complete Checklist
One of the most common questions from new buyers is: what exactly should I track? The answer depends on your goals, but there are universal data points that every gtbuy spreadsheet should capture. This checklist covers essentials, nice-to-haves, and advanced metrics that separate casual buyers from professionals.
The Essential Seven
Every gtbuy spreadsheet needs these seven columns: Product Name, Category, Cost Price, Quantity, Supplier, Order Date, and Status. Without these, you are not tracking, you are just listing.
Product Name should be specific. Nike Dunk Low Panda is better than Sneakers. Category helps you filter and analyze spending patterns. Cost Price and Quantity multiply to give you total investment per order.
Recommended Additions
Once the essentials are in place, add these columns to gain deeper insights: Selling Price, Profit, Margin Percentage, Shipping Cost, Tracking Number, Delivery Date, Size, Color, and Condition.
Shipping Cost is often overlooked but can make or break a deal. A cheap product with expensive shipping may cost more than a premium product with free shipping. Track it.
| Data Point | Priority | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Essential | Identifies the item |
| Category | Essential | Enables filtering |
| Cost Price | Essential | Calculates investment |
| Quantity | Essential | Order size tracking |
| Supplier | Essential | Reorder source |
| Selling Price | Recommended | Profit calculation |
| Shipping Cost | Recommended | True cost visibility |
| Tracking Number | Recommended | Delivery monitoring |
| Customer Rating | Advanced | Quality control |
| Season | Advanced | Trend analysis |
Tracking the right data starts with the right products
Browse our store to find items worth adding to your tracking system.Advanced Metrics for Resellers
If you resell what you buy, add advanced columns like Days to Sell, Return Rate, Customer Feedback, and Market Price Trend. These metrics turn your spreadsheet into a business intelligence dashboard.
Days to Sell tells you which products move fast and which sit in inventory. Return Rate flags quality issues with specific suppliers or product lines. Market Price Trend helps you decide when to restock and when to avoid a fading trend.
What NOT to Track
More data is not always better. Avoid tracking information you never reference. If you have never used the Fabric Composition column in six months, delete it. Clutter slows data entry and increases the chance of errors.
Also avoid redundant calculations. If Total Cost is just Cost Price times Quantity, do not store it as a static number. Use a formula. Static numbers become outdated the moment any input changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many columns should my spreadsheet have?
Start with seven essential columns. Add one new column per week only if you find yourself needing it. Most buyers settle on twelve to fifteen columns.
Should I track customer information?
Only if you sell directly to end customers. For buyers who resell through platforms, customer data lives in the marketplace, not your buying tracker.
Is it worth tracking seasonal data?
Yes, if you buy fashion. Jackets sell better in fall. Shorts spike in summer. Seasonal tracking helps you time your restocks for maximum profit.
Track Smarter, Buy Better
Use this checklist to build your ideal gtbuy spreadsheet, then visit our store to start filling it with real orders.
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