Master your international shipping budget by tracking parcel data and predicting future expenses.
Managing costs is crucial for successful international e-commerce. For frequent users of cross-border shipping services like EastMallBuy, unpredictable shipping fees can disrupt your budget. This is where a dedicated EastMallBuy Spreadsheet
The primary goal of this spreadsheet is simple yet powerful: to use historical shipping datapredict future costs. Instead of facing monthly invoices with surprise, you proactively build a model based on your actual shipping habits. The process involves three key steps: Recording, Calculating, and Projecting.
A well-designed spreadsheet is the foundation. We recommend creating the following columns:
| Column Header | Description & Purpose |
|---|---|
| Shipment Date | Track when parcels were dispatched. Helps identify seasonal trends. |
| Parcel Description | Brief note on contents (e.g., "Electronics," "Clothing"). Useful for pattern analysis. |
| Weight (kg) | The critical metric. |
| Shipping Cost | The total amount paid for that specific shipment, including any fees. |
| Cost per kg | A calculated column: Shipping Cost / Weight. Reveals your effective rate. |
| Service Used | Note the carrier or service level (e.g., EMS, SAL). Allows for rate comparison. |
| Destination Country | Essential for managing multi-country shipping strategies. |
After every EastMallBuy shipment, immediately log the data into your spreadsheet. Consistency is key—ensure weights are always in the same unit (kg is recommended). Over 2-3 months, you will build a valuable historical dataset.
Once you have sufficient entries, calculate your Average Cost per kg. Use a formula to average your "Cost per kg" column. This figure is your benchmark, factoring in all surcharges and fees specific to your shipping patterns.
Formula Example:Average Rate = SUM(All Shipping Costs) / SUM(All Weights)
Now, for the upcoming month, estimate the total expected parcel weight
Forecast Calculation: This projected figure becomes your baseline monthly shipping budget. Always add a contingency buffer (e.g., 10-15%) for rate fluctuations or unexpected heavy parcels.
Projected Cost = Total Expected Weight (kg) x Your Average Cost per kg
An EastMallBuy Shipping Spreadsheet
