Inventory, manufacturing process, business success topics for small DTC manufacturers.
bookkeeping tax
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.
Etsy buries your shipping label costs. Here's exactly where to find your total Etsy shipping label spend for tax time, three different ways.
Cash basis accounting sounds simpler, but if you hold materials or finished goods, it quietly breaks your inventory tracking. Here's why accrual is the right choice for handmade sellers.
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.
Worried about sales tax on handmade items? If you sell on Etsy, good news: Etsy handles it for you. Here's what you still need to know.
inventory management
Thinking of tracking your handmade inventory in a spreadsheet? Here's what craft inventory spreadsheets can and can't do for your Etsy or handmade business.
LLC or sole prop? Here's the quick decision guide for handmade sellers — with a comparison table, tax breakdown, and a clear framework for when it's worth forming an LLC.
Wondering if your handmade business is considered a hobby or a business? This article will explain the IRS 9-factor test, the tax implications for each classification, and what it means for makers who are just starting out.
Etsy shipping label costs go in Part V (Line 27a), not COGS. Shipping supplies go on Line 22. Here's how to find your totals and fill out Schedule C correctly for 2025.
If you are just starting your craft business and need some advice, or need some guidance on what to do next in order to grow your handmade business further then definitely consider arranging a mentor meeting with SCORE.
We explain what Etsy sellers need to know about the 1099K form, what you'll need to do with this form and what to do if you don't receive one.
Etsy scatters your financial data across several reports. Here's exactly where to find your monthly statements, payment history, and order data in the current Etsy UI.
Are materials a business expense? Technically yes, but claiming them directly as expenses instead of COGS could cost you hundreds in missed deductions. Here's what makers need to know.
Most craft sellers track materials — and miss half their actual costs. Here's the full list of expenses to track for your craft business in 2026, including the Etsy and Shopify fees that quietly eat your margins.
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Because they don't know what their products actually cost to make.
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