The Tracking Priority Matrix
Not every data point deserves equal attention. Some columns are mission-critical. Others are nice-to-have. The table below ranks every tracking element by priority and explains exactly why it matters.
Use this as your blueprint when building or customizing your allchinabuy spreadsheet.
Need a template with these columns pre-built?
Free TemplatesComplete Tracking Checklist
| Item to Track | Priority | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Item URL / Link | Critical | Proof of purchase, reordering, and dispute resolution |
| Translated Name | Critical | You will not recognize Chinese titles in three weeks |
| Size & Color | Critical | Agent processing errors drop to near zero with this data |
| Item Price (CNY) | Critical | Base cost before any add-ons |
| Domestic Shipping | High | Hidden cost that surprises 70% of beginners |
| Agent Service Fee | High | Varies by platform; must be factored into total |
| Weight (grams) | High | Directly determines international shipping cost |
| International Shipping | Medium | Usually calculated after warehouse arrival |
| Total Landed Cost | Critical | The only number that matters for budgeting |
| Status | Critical | Prevents anxiety and premature refund requests |
| Warehouse Arrival Date | Medium | Storage fees often kick in after 30–90 days |
| Delivery Date | Low | Nice for year-end review and resale planning |
| Seller Name / Store | Medium | Helps you identify reliable sellers for repeat buys |
| Notes | Low | Refund status, quality issues, or sizing feedback |
The Critical Four
If you are in a hurry and can only track four things, make them these:
Item URL
The single source of truth. Dead links still carry item IDs that agents can trace.
Size & Color
One wrong size ruins an entire haul. Write it down before you forget.
Total Landed Cost
Item price + domestic shipping + agent fee + international shipping. This is your real budget number.
Status
Knowing whether an item is purchased, in warehouse, or shipped eliminates 90% of anxiety.
Advanced Tracking for Power Users
- Resale price and platform fee columns for profit-margin tracking.
- Quality score (1–5) after delivery to build a personal seller blacklist/whitelist.
- Return deadline countdown to avoid missing the window for refunds.
- Shipping method used (EMS, DHL, sea freight) to compare speed vs cost over time.
- Parcel number for each item so you can trace exact location with carriers.
Continue Your Learning
Tracking is only half the battle. Learn how to use your allchinabuy spreadsheet effectively, or read about common mistakes to avoid. Return to the homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Track Everything, Regret Nothing
The shoppers who never have problems are not luckier — they are better trackers. Build your allchinabuy spreadsheet around these fourteen data points and you will shop with complete confidence.