Litbuy Editorial Team
Deal tracking experts since 2024
The litbuy spreadsheet is excellent, but some users want full control over their deal data. Whether you are a reseller building a private inventory tracker or a hobbyist who enjoys customizing tools, building your own spreadsheet is a rewarding project. This guide walks you through creating a custom deal tracker from scratch, inspired by the features that make the litbuy spreadsheet so effective.
Choosing Your Platform
Google Sheets is the most popular choice for DIY deal trackers. It is free, cloud-based, and accessible from any device. Excel Online offers similar functionality with slightly more powerful formulas. Airtable provides a more database-like experience with better linking between tables. Choose based on your comfort level.
For beginners, Google Sheets is the clear winner. Its sharing features make it easy to collaborate with partners. Its mobile app is reliable. And its integration with Google Forms lets you build simple deal submission workflows if you have scouts helping you find bargains.
Designing Your Columns
Start with the essentials: Product Name, Category, Original Price, Deal Price, Savings %, Supplier, Link, Date Added, and Status. The Status column tracks whether a deal is Active, Expired, or Purchased. This simple structure covers ninety percent of use cases.
Add optional columns as needed: Size Availability, Shipping Cost, Resale Platform, Estimated Profit Margin, and Notes. Do not over-engineer on day one. Start simple and add complexity only when you have a clear need. A lean spreadsheet that you actually use beats a bloated one that intimidates you.
Adding Formulas and Automation
The Savings % column should auto-calculate using a formula: (Original Price minus Deal Price) divided by Original Price. Format it as a percentage. Add conditional formatting to highlight deals over fifty percent off in green and deals under twenty percent in gray.
Use Google Apps Script or Excel macros to send yourself an email when you add a new deal with savings over sixty percent. Set up a daily trigger that checks for expired deals by comparing the Date Added to today and flagging entries older than thirty days. Small automations save hours of manual work.
Sourcing Your Own Deals
Building the spreadsheet is the easy part. Finding deals is the challenge. Start with suppliers you already know and trust. Monitor their clearance sections weekly. Join fashion deal forums and Discord servers. Follow brand social media accounts for flash sale announcements.
As you grow, build relationships with smaller suppliers who do not advertise widely. Many of the best deals come from suppliers with minimal web presence. A direct email relationship can unlock wholesale pricing that never appears on public websites. The litbuy spreadsheet team built its network this way over years.
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Visit Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build?
The basic structure takes 1-2 hours. Populating it with deals and adding automation takes a few days of focused effort.
Is it worth building my own instead of using litbuy?
Only if you need custom features or private data. For most users, the official spreadsheet saves time and delivers better deals.
Can I sell my custom spreadsheet?
Yes, but respect supplier relationships and do not violate terms of service. Many resellers keep their trackers private for competitive advantage.
What if I am not good with spreadsheets?
Start with the official litbuy spreadsheet first. As you get comfortable, gradually build your own version alongside it.
Do I need to know coding?
No for basic versions. Yes for advanced automation like web scraping and API integrations. Start simple and grow from there.
Final Thoughts
Building your own deal tracker is a valuable skill that teaches you more about the deal ecosystem than using someone else's tool ever could. But be honest with yourself about your goals. If you want to save money on personal purchases, the official litbuy spreadsheet is faster and more effective. If you want to build a resale business or learn data skills, a custom spreadsheet is a fantastic project. Either way, the deals are waiting.