Record spending patterns and forecast upcoming purchases to manage your budget and consolidate shipments intelligently.
Planning hauls over several months can feel overwhelming. Without a system, it's easy to lose track of orders, overspend, and end up with multiple costly shipping fees. The LoveGoBuy Spreadsheet Method is a powerful yet simple tool to bring clarity, control, and savings to your cross-border shopping. By tracking your past and planning your future, you transform impulsive buys into a strategic, budget-friendly activity.
The Core Concept: Visibility & Forecasting
The method rests on two pillars: recording historical spending patternsforecasting future purchases. This allows you to see not just where your money went, but where it will
Structuring Your Spreadsheet
Create a spreadsheet with the following core columns. Use separate tabs for "Completed Hauls" and "Forecast/Wishlist".
| Column | Purpose | Example Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Date Added/Purchased | Tracks when an item was bought or added to your list. | 2023-10-26 |
| Item Description & Store | Specifics of the item and where it's from (Taobao, Tmall, etc.). | Knitted Sweater - Store ABC |
| Estimated/Cost (¥) | Item price in local currency. Use estimates for forecasts. | 168.00 |
| Shipping Fee to Warehouse (¥) | Domestic shipping cost (if any). | 0.00 (Store offers free shipping) |
| International Shipping Share (¥) | Calculated portion of the overseas shipping cost for the haul. | 35.50 |
| Status | e.g., "In Warehouse", "Shipped", "Forecasted for November". | Forecasted |
The Step-by-Step Planning Process
Step 1: Record Your Past Hauls
Fill your "Completed Hauls" tab with data from recent shipments. This is your historical baseline. Calculate the average cost per itemaverage shipping cost per kg. This reveals your true spending habits.
Step 2: Create Your Forecast/Wishlist
In your "Forecast" tab, list every item you're considering over the next 2-4 months. Be honest and include everything. Assign each item a priority level (e.g., High, Medium, Low)target month
Step 3: Allocate a Monthly Budget
Based on your financial goals and past spending, set a realistic monthly or bi-monthly budget for your LoveGoBuy hauls. Let this number guide your planning.
Step 4: Simulate & Consolidate Shipments
Before buying, sort your "Forecast" list by priority and target month. Group items from the same period into a simulated haul. Add up item costs and estimate the total weight to calculate projected international shipping. Does it fit your budget? Adjust by moving lower-priority items to a future month. The goal is to maximize each shipment without overspending.
Step 5: Execute, Review, and Adapt
When a planned haul month arrives, finalize your cart. After shipping, move the items from "Forecast" to "Completed Hauls" with final costs. Analyze the actual spend versus your forecast and adjust future plans accordingly.
Key Benefits of This System
- Reduces Redundant Shipments:
- Proactive Budget Control:
- Cuts Down "Oops, I Forgot" Purchases:
- Provides Spending Insight:
- Proactive Budget Control: