BaseTao: How to Manage Multiple Hauls with the BaseTao Spreadsheet
For experienced shoppers who regularly order from Chinese platforms like Taobao, organizing purchases can quickly become overwhelming. Juggling multiple stores, product variations, shipping methods, and delivery timelines across different months requires a systematic approach. Fortunately, BaseTao's powerful spreadsheet tool provides the perfect solution for managing this complexity.
Why Use the BaseTao Spreadsheet?
Centralized Purchase Tracking
Instead of scattered notes across different platforms, the spreadsheet serves as your single source of truth. All your shopping data – from product specifications to store communications – lives in one organized location.
Multi-Month Project Management
The spreadsheet shines when managing purchases across seasonal shopping cycles. Whether you're preparing for different seasons or coordinating gifts for various holidays, the timeline view helps you plan strategically.
Batch Shipping Optimization
Combine purchases from multiple months into consolidated hauls for substantial shipping savings. The spreadsheet helps you visualize which items can be batched together efficiently.
Setting Up Your Spreadsheet for Success
Essential Columns to Include
Basic Product Information
- Product Name & Description: Detailed item information including size, color, and specifications
- Store Name & Link: Direct links to the original product page for easy reference
- Price & Currency: Item cost in local currency with conversion rates if needed
Categorization System
- Purchase Month: When the item was ordered or planned for purchase
- Category/Tags: Custom categories like "Winter Clothing," "Electronics," or "Gifts"
- Priority Level
Shipping Management
- Warehouse Arrival Date: When items reach your BaseTao warehouse
- Shipment Batch Number: Designated code for each consolidated haul
- Shipping Method & Cost: Carrier selection and associated expenses
Advanced Organization Strategies
Color Coding System
Implement a visual system using spreadsheet colors: red for urgent items, yellow for awaiting arrival, green for shipped items, and blue for future planned purchases. This creates immediate visual recognition of item status.
Multi-Tab Structure
Create separate tabs for different functional areas: "Planning & Research," "Active Orders," "Warehouse Inventory," and "Shipped Hauls." This compartmentalization keeps your workflow organized and prevents information overload.
Automated Calculations
Set up formulas to automatically calculate totals per shipment batch, costs per month, and weight-based shipping estimates. This eliminates manual calculation errors and saves significant time.
Monthly Management Workflow
Beginning of Month: Planning Phase
Review your existing spreadsheet to identify items pending from previous months. Plan new purchases considering what's already in your warehouse and upcoming shipping batches.
Throughout Month: Active Tracking
Update the spreadsheet as new items arrive at the warehouse. Take warehouse photos provided by BaseTao to verify product accuracy before shipping consolidation.
End of Month: Consolidation & Shipping
Evaluate all items in your warehouse using the spreadsheet's categorized view. Make strategic decisions about which items to ship together based on priority, destination, and shipping cost efficiency.
The BaseTao spreadsheet transforms chaotic shopping into a streamlined operation. By implementing these organization strategies, frequent shoppers can save time, reduce costs, and eliminate the stress of managing multiple international purchases. The initial time investment in setting up your spreadsheet pays dividends through countless efficient shopping cycles.