Inventory, manufacturing process, business success topics for small DTC manufacturers.
bookkeeping tax
QuickBooks tracks your material spend — but it can't calculate cost per product from a recipe or BOM. Here's why that's a problem for makers, and how to fix it without switching accounting tools.
You launched your Shopify store. Now your accountant is asking questions you can't answer. This guide covers Shopify bookkeeping: payout reconciliation, COGS tracking, sales tax, and the tools that actually work for product businesses.
Learn the COGS formula step by step with real-world examples for small manufacturers. We cover what to include, what to exclude, inventory valuation methods, and how to report COGS on your taxes.
WooCommerce doesn't track COGS natively. Learn your options — from plugins to dedicated manufacturing software — and why makers who produce their own products need a different approach.
Amazon now offers embedded QuickBooks access in Seller Central. But is giving Amazon direct access to your financial data the right move? Here's what you need to know — and a different way to connect your accounting without sharing everything.
The Shopify QuickBooks Connector just forced a major update — and makers are watching their orders fail to sync, customer data vanish, and COGS calculations break. Here's what went wrong, when it makes sense (and doesn't), and a better path for product-based businesses.
QuickBooks is excellent accounting software — but it wasn't built for makers who manufacture products. Here's an honest look at what it does well, where it breaks down for small manufacturers, and how to build a system that actually works.
QuickBooks tracks your money. Craftybase calculates your costs. Here's exactly what each tool does for COGS, why they differ, and how makers use both together.
product updates
Learn why Craftybase launched QuickBooks PO Sync first — a lightweight, time-saving way for product-based brands to export POs directly to QuickBooks, and the foundation for deeper integration to come.
Etsy handles your storefront. It doesn't handle your books. Here's how to track expenses, calculate COGS, prepare for 1099-K, and choose the right bookkeeping software as an Etsy maker.
Etsy handles your storefront, but not your books. We compared 7 bookkeeping tools for Etsy sellers in 2026 on COGS tracking, Etsy integration, and maker-specific features to find the best fit.
handmade success
Sole proprietors pay themselves via owner's draw. S-Corp owners take a salary. Here's how each works, how much to take, and why knowing your COGS comes first.
Etsy buries your shipping label costs. Here's exactly where to find your total Etsy shipping label spend for tax time, three different ways.
We discuss how cash based accounting may not be the best option for your handmade business.
Most bookkeeping tools are built for service businesses. Here's how to find one that actually works when you're making and selling physical products.
We ♥ to help makers just like you to become more successful. Please join our newsletter to receive regular updates and actionable tips on how to take your maker business to the next level!
We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.
Because they don't know what their products actually cost to make.
Every week, one practical tip on pricing, materials, and COGS — the numbers that turn a busy craft business into a profitable one.
Sent weekly. Unsubscribe any time.
