The success of your ACBuy link system depends entirely on what you track. Too little data makes the system useless. Too much data creates noise and slows you down. In this guide, we identify the essential columns every ACBuy link user should have, plus the advanced columns that power users add for deeper insights.
We have organized this into three tiers: Essential (everyone needs these), Recommended (most users benefit), and Advanced (for resellers and power users). Start with the essentials and add more as your workflow demands.
Essential Columns (Tier 1)
These five columns form the backbone of any ACBuy link spreadsheet. Without them, you are just collecting bookmarks.
| Column | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Identify the item | Nike Air Jordan 4 Retro |
| Link | Access the product page | https://www.oocbuy.com/... |
| Category | Organize by type | Shoes |
| Price | Track cost | $250 |
| Status | Track lifecycle | Ordered |
Recommended Columns (Tier 2)
These columns add significant value without overwhelming your spreadsheet. Most users should add these after mastering the essentials.
| Column | Purpose | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Date Added | Track when you found the link | Identifies old links that may be outdated |
| Priority | Mark urgency level | Focus on high-priority items first |
| Notes | Add context | Record size, color, or special requests |
| Shipping | Track shipping number | One-click access to tracking info |
| Image URL | Visual reference | Helps identify items without opening links |
Advanced Columns (Tier 3)
These columns are designed for resellers, bulk buyers, and users who want deep analytics from their ACBuy link system.
| Column | Purpose | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | Track seller or source | Resellers with multiple suppliers |
| Cost Price | What you paid | Resellers calculating margins |
| Sell Price | Target resale price | Resellers planning profit |
| Margin % | Profit percentage | Quick margin assessment |
| Stock Alert | Flag low-stock items | Buyers tracking limited editions |
How to Decide What to Track
Start by asking yourself what problem you are trying to solve. If you just want to stop losing product links, the five essential columns are enough. If you want to compare prices across categories, add Date Added and Price History. If you are reselling, add Cost Price, Sell Price, and Margin.
The key is to start small and expand. Every extra column adds cognitive load. If you find yourself skipping a column during data entry, it is probably unnecessary. Remove it. A lean spreadsheet that you actually use is far more valuable than a bloated one that collects dust.
Data Tracking Best Practices
- Use consistent naming. Always use the same category names. Mixing Shoes and Footwear breaks filters.
- Update status immediately. Make it a habit to update status right after you place an order or receive a delivery.
- Archive old items. Move completed orders to a separate Archive sheet to keep your active sheet clean.
- Add dates to everything. Date Added, Date Ordered, and Date Delivered help you track timelines and identify delays.
Need a Template?
Our free templates include all essential and recommended columns pre-configured.
Get TemplatesRelated Resources
Explore more resources to deepen your understanding of the ACBuy link system:
Beginner Guide
Start with the basics of ACBuy link tracking.
Build Your Own
Learn how to create a custom spreadsheet from scratch.
Common Mistakes
Avoid the pitfalls that trip up new ACBuy link users.
Back to Home
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important column?
The Status column is the most critical because it tells you the lifecycle stage of each item at a glance.
Should I track shipping numbers?
Yes, if you order frequently. A dedicated Shipping column saves you from digging through emails to find tracking numbers.
Do I need a supplier column?
Only if you buy from multiple sellers or resell items. For casual shoppers, it is optional.
How many columns is too many?
Aim for 10 to 15 columns. More than 20 makes the sheet hard to navigate. You can always add sheets for detailed data.
Start Your ACBuy Link Journey Today
Download your free template, browse oocbuy.com, and start building your personal product link database.