Inventory, manufacturing process, business success topics for small DTC manufacturers.
bookkeeping tax
Not all business expenses work the same way at tax time. Here's exactly how to tell your direct costs apart from your indirect costs, and why getting it right matters more than you might think.
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.
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.
product updates
Craftybase now syncs your Cost of Goods Sold and inventory valuations directly to QuickBooks Online. No more manual journal entries or month-end scrambles — your books stay accurate automatically.
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.
handmade success
Looking for inventory management software that actually works with QuickBooks? Here's our 2026 roundup—plus why most integrations fail makers and what to look for instead.
Learn how to track inventory in QuickBooks Online and Desktop, and what to do when it doesn't fit your workflow. We explain what QuickBooks handles well, where it falls short, and how Craftybase helps makers stay on top of materials, COGS, and production.
QuickBooks Self-Employed is discontinued. Its replacement, QuickBooks Solopreneur, still can't track inventory or calculate COGS. Here's what Etsy makers actually need.
inventory management
Giving away samples or gifts affects your inventory and tax records more than most makers realise. Here's exactly how to track them — and keep your books straight.
Schedule C for small business owners — complete 2025 tax year guide covering income, COGS, every deductible expense, and the common mistakes that cost makers money.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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