Accurate financial tracking is the cornerstone of a smooth shopping and selling experience on platforms like EastMallBuy. Confusion between recharges, refunds, and order deductions can lead to significant accounting errors. The most reliable safeguard? Manual and meticulous record-keeping in your dedicated spreadsheet.
The Golden Rule: Record Every Transaction, Manually
While automated tools exist, manually entering each transaction forces you to verify the details, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. This conscious act is your first line of defense against mixing up different financial flows.
Best Practices for Clear and Safe Records
1. Create Dedicated, Labeled Columns
Structure your EastMallBuy spreadsheet with clear, unambiguous columns. Essential ones include:
| Column Name | Purpose | Example Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Date & Time | Record the exact transaction timestamp. | 2023-10-27 14:30 |
| Transaction Type | Categorize clearly: Recharge, Order Payment, Refund, Service Fee. | Refund (Order #MB1027) |
| Amount | Use positive (+) for inbound (recharge, refund), negative (-) for outbound (order, fee). | +$25.00 / -$15.50 |
| Order/Reference ID | Always note the relevant platform transaction ID. | Order #MB1027 / Refund ID: RF78901 |
| Balance After | Calculate the running balance after each entry. This instantly flags discrepancies. | $143.50 |
| Notes | Add context, e.g., "Refund for returned item," "Wallet top-up via credit card." | Item: Blue ceramic mug. Reason: Damaged. |
2. Implement Immediate Entry Discipline
Record the transaction as soon as it is completed
Weekly or bi-weekly, compare your spreadsheet against your EastMallBuy account's official transaction history. Investigate and resolve any mismatch immediately. Apply a consistent visual system. For example:
3. Reconcile Regularly with Platform Statements
4. Use Color Coding or Cell Formatting
5. Maintain a "Suspense" or "Check" Column
Have a column to mark entries that need verification (e.g., a missing refund) or that don't match the platform statement. Follow up until they are resolved.
Why This Manual Method Wins
This disciplined approach prevents confusion
Pro Tip: