What to Track in Your GTBuy Spreadsheet: The Complete Field List
Tracking the wrong fields is almost as bad as tracking nothing. This guide ranks every possible data point by its impact on your profit. Cut the noise. Keep the signal.
| Field | Impact | When to Track | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Cost | Critical | Always | Include tax and shipping |
| Sell Price | Critical | Always | Use realistic sell price, not list price |
| SKU | Critical | Always | Unique per item variant |
| Vendor URL | High | Always | Saves re-research time later |
| Shipping Status | High | Always | Dropdown: Ordered/Shipped/Received |
| Condition | Medium | Used items | New, Like New, Good, etc. |
| Purchase Date | Medium | Always | For warranty and return windows |
| Photo URL | Low | High-value items | Helps with resale listings |
| Buyer Notes | Low | Complex deals | Payment terms, meetup details |
The Cost Column Trap
The most common tracking mistake is recording the item price as your cost. Your real cost is item price plus shipping plus tax plus any payment processing fees. If your spreadsheet shows a $40 cost but you actually paid $52, your margin math is wrong and you will make bad pricing decisions. Always include all-in cost.
When Less Is More
Beginners often track twenty fields and burn out. Start with seven. Add more only when you notice a gap. The best spreadsheet is the one you actually use daily. A simple sheet you update every day beats a complex dashboard you ignore.
Internal Links: Return to the GTBuy Spreadsheet homepage, explore our complete guide, or start learning in the course hub.