Tracking Outside Sales

[Former_Member]

How do you do it? I've just been creating a paypal invoice and working off that (if I have more than one item). Any advice, tips or tricks?

[StuckOnSilver]

Hi, Christina, great shop! I update my excel worksheets every day with detailed
--sales through etsy, b&m shops, local craft shows, etc.
--supplies
--jewelry components
--other overhead

Tax days aren't exactly a snap, but at least they're not a nightmare!!

[Former_Member]

I had a bunch of spreadsheets when I first started - for inventory, purchases, sales, shipping, taxes.

I found an inventory program that actually maintains all that information for me - including outside etsy orders. All I do is create an order if I sell something outside the etsy site. The really nice thing is that etsy listings/fees/status can be imported so you don't have to duplicate efforts there.

It's called craftybase. You should check it out.

full disclosure: they don't pay me to be happy with their service, but if you do decide to sign up and use my referral code, we'll both get a discount. http://craftybase.com/ref/938e46b5

[SerenityInChains]

I use Godaddy bookkeeping (previously called Outright). I really like it.

[Former_Member]

I use both Excel and GoDaddy to keep track of everything. Kind of a "checks and balances" thing for me. I like how easy GoDaddy is but I still like to do Excel because I like to.

I have an Excel file for each year called "Abigail's Attic Orders." In that file I have one sheet for Etsy sales and one for off Etsy sales. I have a spot for where that person contacted me. FB, e-mail, in person, etc. I have friends that will order from me on occasion so those are often in person.

[Former_Member]

I keep a simple spreadsheet for each venue that I sell on and a separate one for 'miscellaneous'.

Miscellaneous may include the item that I sold to a friend down the road or something that I sold to a member of the woodworkers association to name a few. Its for everywhere that I don't have a regular venue.