Not sure what to put in your spreadsheet? Here are the essential data points every sugargoo spreadsheet should include.
Sugargoo Spreadsheet Team
Published on Sugargoo Spreadsheet Courses
One of the most common questions from new spreadsheet users is: what exactly should I track? The answer depends on your buying habits, but there are universal data points that every sugargoo spreadsheet should include. This guide covers the essential columns and explains why each one matters.
Tracking the right data turns your spreadsheet from a simple list into a powerful decision-making tool. When you have the right information at your fingertips, you buy smarter, spend less, and avoid mistakes.
We will start with the must-have columns and then explore optional advanced tracking. You can add complexity as your experience grows, but starting with the basics ensures you do not miss anything critical.
Every sugargoo spreadsheet needs at least these columns. Item Name identifies what you are buying. Product Link takes you directly to the seller when you are ready to purchase. Seller Name helps you track which sources you use most.
Price is obviously critical. Record it in your home currency or add a separate column for original currency and conversion. Size and Color prevent ordering mistakes. You would be surprised how many buyers forget to record the size and then have to re-check the link.
Shipping Cost is the hidden killer of budgets. Always estimate shipping before buying. Status tells you where each item sits in your workflow. The simplest status options are: Researching, Pending, Ordered, Shipped, and Arrived.
Once you have the basics, consider adding these columns. Order Date tracks when you placed the order. This helps you follow up on delayed shipments. Arrival Date records when items actually arrive, which helps you estimate future delivery times.
Weight matters for shipping calculations. If you know an item weighs 500 grams, you can estimate shipping more accurately. Category groups items by type (Shoes, Clothing, Accessories), making filtering and sorting more useful.
Priority helps you focus on must-buy items when your budget is limited. Add a High, Medium, or Low tag. Notes is the catch-all column for anything else: seller communication details, quality observations, or resale price targets.
Resellers and bulk buyers need more detail. Cost Per Unit helps you calculate profitability. If you buy ten items for $100 total, your cost per unit is $10. Resale Price shows your target selling price. Profit Margin is calculated as (Resale - Cost) / Cost * 100.
Days in Transit tracks shipping speed. Calculate it as Arrival Date minus Order Date. Over time, you will see which sellers and shipping methods are fastest. This data helps you choose better options in the future.
Seller Contact records who you spoke with. This is useful for follow-ups and disputes. Return Policy notes whether the seller accepts returns. Not all sellers do, and this affects your buying risk.
More tracking is not always better. Avoid tracking data that you never use. If you add a column and find it empty after a month, remove it. Empty columns create visual clutter and make your spreadsheet harder to use.
Do not track highly variable data. Daily exchange rates change constantly. Unless you need real-time conversion, record the rate at purchase time and move on. Do not waste energy updating it daily.
Avoid tracking personal information in your main spreadsheet. Passwords, payment details, and addresses should not live in your product tracking sheet. Keep them separate for security reasons.
| Data Point | Priority | When to Add | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Item Name | Essential | Day 1 | Identifies product |
| Price | Essential | Day 1 | Budget foundation |
| Shipping | Essential | Day 1 | Hidden cost |
| Status | Essential | Day 1 | Workflow tracking |
| Product Link | Essential | Day 1 | Quick access |
| Order Date | Recommended | Week 2 | Follow-up timing |
| Category | Recommended | Week 2 | Organization |
| Priority | Recommended | Week 2 | Budget focus |
| Weight | Advanced | Month 2 | Shipping accuracy |
| Profit Margin | Advanced | Month 2 | Reseller metric |
| Days in Transit | Advanced | Month 2 | Seller comparison |
If you have to scroll horizontally to see all columns, you have too many. Aim for 10-15 visible columns on your screen. Hide the rest and use them only when needed.
No. Track details that affect your buying decision. Material type matters for clothing. It does not matter for accessories. Be selective.
Yes, absolutely. Spreadsheets are flexible. Add, remove, or rename columns anytime. Just update your existing rows to match.
Status. Without status tracking, your spreadsheet is just a wishlist. Status turns it into a workflow tool.
No. Leave cells empty when information is unavailable. For example, you might not know shipping cost until checkout. Add it later.