Advanced buyers don't just shop—they strategize. The ACBuy Spreadsheet is their essential tool for organizing monthly purchasing goals. Unlock its full potential by learning to categorize sellers intelligently, transforming raw data into a actionable procurement plan.
The Foundation: Setting Up Your Monthly Purchase Dashboard
Begin by structuring your ACBuy spreadsheet with core data columns: Seller Name, Item Type/Category, Last QC Score, Avg. Delivery Days, and Monthly Purchase Goal. This setup becomes your command center for the month's sourcing activities.
Strategic Filtering: The Three Pillars of Seller Categorization
Filtering is the engine of advanced planning. Isolate key variables to make informed decisions.
1. Filter by Item Type & Category
Quickly isolate all sellers specializing in your target product (e.g., "Activewear," "Kitchen Electronics"). This allows for focused category-based budgeting
Filter: Item Type = "Specific Category"
2. Filter by QC (Quality Control) Results
Quality is non-negotiable. Use filters to segment sellers by historical QC performance:
- Top Tier (QC Score ≥ 90):
- Mid Tier (QC Score 75-89):
- New/Untested (No QC Score):
- Mid Tier (QC Score 75-89):
Filter: QC Score ≥ 90 OR Filter: QC Score is blankThis prevents costly quality issues and protects your brand reputation.
3. Filter by Delivery Performance
Timeliness impacts cash flow and customer satisfaction. Create filters for:
- Reliable Shippers (Avg. Delivery ≤ 12 days):
- Standard Shippers (13-20 days):
- Variable Shippers (20+ days or inconsistent):
- Standard Shippers (13-20 days):
Filter: Avg. Delivery Days ≤ 12Cross-filtering DeliveryQC Score
Advanced Planning: Combining Filters for Dynamic Scenarios
True mastery comes from layered filters. Imagine you need to plan a Christmas promo:
- Filter Item Type = "Gadgets" & "Festive Decor".
- Within results, add a second filter: QC Score ≥ 85.
- Add a third filter: Avg. Delivery Days ≤ 15.
Instantly, you have a shortlist of reliable, quality sellers capable of fulfilling your holiday campaign on time. Allocate your monthly purchase budget based on this dynamic, filtered view.
Conclusion: From Data to Decisive Action
Treating your ACBuy spreadsheet as a living, filterable database empowers you to move from reactive buying to strategic procurement. By categorizing sellers through the lenses of Item Type, QC, and Delivery, you optimize risk, timing, and budget allocation. Implement these filtering strategies to plan your monthly purchases with the precision of an advanced buyer.