Author: Alexis Burgess

E-Commerce Accounting: A Complete Guide for Online Sellers

E-commerce is an exciting and rapidly growing industry, but behind the scenes, successful online selling requires meticulous accounting practices. With so many moving parts, from managing inventory to calculating shipping costs and handling multi-channel sales, understanding bookkeeping for ecommerce is essential for sustainable growth. This guide will cover e-commerce accounting essentials, including revenue tracking, cost of goods sold (COGS), taxes, and useful tools to streamline financial management.

1. E-Commerce Revenue Tracking: Organize Your Sales Data

The first step in e-commerce accounting is understanding and accurately tracking revenue. Revenue tracking is not just about counting sales but involves correctly recording each transaction, net revenue, and associated fees.

• Separate Gross and Net Sales: Start by recording gross revenue (total sales) before fees and refunds. Then, subtract platform fees and any refunds to get your net revenue. This breakdown helps in accurately assessing your revenue health.
• Multi-Channel Sales Consolidation: Many e-commerce businesses operate on multiple platforms, such as Amazon, Shopify, and eBay. To simplify, use ecom accounting software that integrates with each platform, like QuickBooks, Xero, or A2X. This consolidates sales data from all channels, minimizing manual entry and reducing errors.
• Record Sales Tax Separately: Sales tax should be tracked separately from sales revenue. This will make it easier to handle tax obligations and ensure that you only remit tax collected, not additional funds.

2. Expense Management: Key Costs to Track in E-Commerce

Operating an e-commerce store incurs various expenses, from product sourcing to marketing, and correctly categorizing these is essential for understanding your business’s profitability.

• Categorize Your Expenses: Group expenses into relevant categories such as advertising, shipping, warehousing, platform fees, and payment processing fees. Clear categorization gives you a better view of where your money is going and can reveal potential areas for cost savings.
• Inventory Management and Expenses: Inventory represents a significant expense for e-commerce businesses. Tracking your inventory costs ensures you accurately calculate your profit margins and stay on top of stock levels. Software like TradeGecko or Ordoro can integrate with accounting tools for real-time inventory updates.
• Shipping and Fulfillment Costs: Shipping costs can vary widely and should be tracked closely to understand their impact on your profits. Consider splitting fulfillment costs from other shipping expenses for greater insight, especially if you offer free or discounted shipping options.

3. Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Accurately Calculate Product Costs

The Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) is the direct cost associated with the production or purchase of the goods sold by your business. Calculating COGS is crucial for determining gross profit.

How to Calculate COGS: COGS includes all direct costs of goods, such as product purchase costs, shipping to your warehouse, and packaging. To calculate it accurately:

• Start with your beginning inventory at the start of the period.
• Add all purchases made during the period.
• Subtract your ending inventory at the end of the period.

Monitor COGS Consistently: Consistent tracking allows you to measure profitability accurately and adjust pricing if needed. Many accounting software solutions allow you to automate COGS calculations if you manage inventory correctly.

4. Cash Flow Management: A Lifeline for E-Commerce Success

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, and e-commerce is no exception. Effective cash flow management helps ensure you have the funds to cover expenses, reinvest, and grow.

• Forecast Future Cash Flow: Create a forecast by projecting sales and expenses based on historical data. This is especially helpful in e-commerce, where cash flow can fluctuate with seasonal trends and inventory purchases.
• Maintain a Business Bank Account: Keep personal and business finances separate by using a dedicated bank account for your e-commerce store. This will simplify reconciliation, make it easier to track cash flow, and prepare you for tax season.
• Allocate Funds for Taxes: Earmark a portion of revenue specifically for tax payments. Tax liabilities are an ongoing obligation, and setting aside funds regularly prevents cash shortfalls when taxes are due.

5. Tax Compliance: Understanding Sales and Income Tax Obligations

Tax compliance is a unique challenge in e-commerce, especially for multi-state or international sellers. Here’s what you need to know:

• Sales Tax Compliance: Each state has different sales tax regulations, and the “economic nexus” concept requires sellers to collect tax in states where they reach certain sales thresholds. Use tax automation software, like Avalara or TaxJar, to keep track of requirements and file taxes in multiple jurisdictions.
• Income Tax Preparation: Unlike sales tax, which is collected and remitted to the state, income tax is calculated on your profits. Ensure that all revenues, COGS, and expenses are accurately recorded to calculate your taxable income. Many e-commerce businesses benefit from hiring a tax professional to navigate complex deductions and credits.
• Keep Digital Records: Store receipts, invoices, and sales records digitally for easy access. Good record-keeping ensures you’re audit-ready and simplifies the preparation of tax returns.

Conclusion

E-commerce accounting may seem daunting, but with the right systems and tools, it becomes a manageable—and even insightful—part of your business. By staying organized, accurately tracking COGS, cash flow, and expenses, and using accounting software to automate processes, you can gain control over your finances and set your business up for long-term success. Accurate accounting allows you to not only comply with tax regulations but also make strategic decisions, capitalize on profitable opportunities, and steer your business toward growth.

If all those seem daunting to you, make it easy and automated with the help of connect books. The software helps you automate your accounting, track your inventory in real-time, get sales and profit calculations done for you daily. Check out https://www.connectbooks.com/ for more details

Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Remodeling Contractor Before Starting a Project

Home renovations are a significant investment, both in terms of time and money. Choosing the right professional remodeling contractor in Salem OR can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth, successful project. Here are the top 10 questions to ask a remodeling contractor before starting any home renovation project.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

The first question to ask a home remodeling contractor in Salem OR is about their licensing and insurance. A licensed contractor has met specific industry standards and is authorized to perform renovation work. Insurance is equally important, as it protects homeowners from potential liabilities or damages that might occur during the project.

2. Can You Provide References?

Requesting references from a professional remodeling contractor in Salem OR helps gauge the quality of their previous work. Contacting past clients allows homeowners to hear firsthand about their experiences, including the contractor’s reliability, work ethic, and the final outcome of the projects.

3. What Is Your Experience with Similar Projects?

Not all remodeling projects are the same. It’s crucial to inquire about the contractor’s experience with projects similar to the one being planned. For example, if considering a kitchen remodel, look for a kitchen remodeling contractor in Salem OR who has a proven track record with kitchen renovations.

4. Can You Provide a Detailed Estimate?

A reliable remodeling contractor in Salem OR should provide a comprehensive estimate that includes all costs associated with the project. This estimate should cover labor, materials, permits, and any other expenses. A detailed estimate helps prevent unexpected costs and ensures transparency.

5. What Is the Project Timeline?

Understanding the project timeline is essential for planning purposes. Ask the contractor for a detailed schedule, including the start and end dates. It’s also beneficial to know about any factors that could potentially delay the project, such as supply chain issues or weather conditions.

6. Who Will Be on the Job Site?

It’s important to know who will be on the job site and their roles. Some contractors have a team of employees, while others may subcontract certain tasks. Clarifying this ensures that everyone working on the project is qualified and that the primary contractor is overseeing all aspects of the renovation.

7. How Do You Handle Permits and Inspections?

Permits and inspections are often required for remodeling projects. A professional remodeling contractor in Salem OR should handle these aspects, ensuring that the project complies with local building codes and regulations. This not only ensures safety but also helps avoid potential legal issues down the line.

8. What Is Your Payment Schedule?

Discussing the payment schedule upfront helps prevent misunderstandings. Most contractors will require a deposit, followed by scheduled payments based on project milestones. Ensure that the payment terms are clearly outlined in the contract and that they are reasonable and fair.

9. How Do You Handle Unexpected Issues?

Unexpected issues can arise during any remodeling project. It’s essential to ask how the contractor handles such situations. A reliable remodeling contractor in Salem OR should have a clear plan for addressing unforeseen problems, ensuring that the project stays on track and within budget.

10. Do You Offer a Warranty or Guarantee?

A warranty or guarantee provides peace of mind that the contractor stands behind their work. Ask about the specifics of any warranties, including what is covered and for how long. This can be particularly important for significant investments, such as hiring a bathroom remodeling contractor in Salem OR.

Ready to Transform Your Home? Contact Star Builders LLC Today!

Choosing the right remodeling contractor is a crucial step in ensuring a successful home renovation. By asking these ten questions, homeowners can make an informed decision and select a contractor who is professional, reliable, and experienced.

For those seeking a professional and reliable remodeling contractor in Salem OR, consider reaching out to Star Builders LLC. Specializing in home, kitchen, and bathroom remodeling, Star Builders LLC offers comprehensive services tailored to meet individual needs. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Star Builders LLC is the ideal choice for your next home renovation project.