The top errors beginners make when using the LoveGoBuy spreadsheet and how to fix them before they cost you money.
Each mistake includes a fix you can apply immediately.
Prices on Taobao are in RMB. Many buyers forget to convert and underestimate their total by 6-7x. Always use the RMB column and let the spreadsheet auto-convert to your local currency.
Fix
Enable the auto-conversion formula in the summary tab. Set your exchange rate once and it applies to every row.
A 50 RMB item with 15 RMB domestic shipping costs 30% more than the sticker price. Buyers who skip this column get surprised when their subtotal is 20-40% higher than expected.
Fix
Fill the Domestic Shipping column for every item. The spreadsheet adds it to your running total automatically.
Chinese sizing runs smaller than US/EU sizing. A Large in China is often a Medium or Small elsewhere. Returns are expensive and sometimes impossible.
Fix
Add a Sizing Notes column. Paste the seller's size chart into notes and compare measurements before ordering.
Shipping is weight-based. A heavy hoodie costs more to ship than a light T-shirt, even if the hoodie is cheaper. Buyers without weight data cannot optimize shipping brackets.
Fix
Estimate weight for every item using the reference table in the template. Use grams for consistency.
Some sellers do not accept returns. If an item does not fit or looks different from photos, you are stuck with it. This risk is not reflected in the price.
Fix
Add a Return Policy column with dropdowns: Full, Partial, None. Filter out 'None' sellers for high-risk categories like shoes and jackets.
Each seller charges separate domestic shipping. Ten items from ten sellers means ten domestic shipping fees. Consolidating to 3-4 sellers saves 30-50 RMB.
Fix
Use the Seller column to count unique sellers. Aim for 3-5 sellers per haul unless prices justify the extra shipping.
Product links expire or go out of stock. Submitting a dead link to your agent causes delays and confusion.
Fix
Click every link one final time before exporting. The template flags redirected URLs in the Link Status column.
Use the LoveGoBuy spreadsheet checklist on every haul to avoid costly mistakes.