Planning a AUD budget with cssbuy spreadsheet
A budget is a set of separate costs, not one number. This guide gives you a four-column layout in Australian dollars, shows what belongs in each column, and explains why this site never converts currencies, quotes rates or invents tax figures for you.
Why four columns
A single total hides the thing that will surprise you. Separate columns show which part grew, and they let you change one decision without redoing the whole plan. Keep every figure in Australian dollars (AUD), so you are not converting in your head mid-decision.
The layout
| Column | What belongs here | Where the figure comes from |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Item cost | The price on the listing | The live listing, noted with the date |
| 2. Domestic leg | Any movement inside the seller's country before export | The live page, if it is shown |
| 3. International freight | Delivery to your Australian address | The option you choose on the live page |
| 4. Possible extras | Handling, options added later, or charges shown at checkout | The checkout and carrier conditions |
What we deliberately do not do
- We do not convert from another currency, because rates move and a stale figure misleads.
- We do not state tax or duty rates, because they depend on the goods and the rules at the time.
- We do not publish prices, packages or sample totals.
If you need a figure, read it off the live page and write it in AUD in your sheet, noting the date.
Setting a ceiling first
Decide your total ceiling before you look at listings. Then subtract a buffer for the extras column. What remains is your real item budget, and it is usually lower than your first instinct. This single habit prevents more regret than any discount.
Using weight and size
International freight depends heavily on parcel weight and packed size, so keep those notes next to the cost columns. If two candidates are similar in price but one is bulky, the freight column may decide the winner. See the weight and volume guide for why.
Budget checklist
Before you commit
- Write a total ceiling in AUD first.
- Create the four columns for every candidate.
- Fill in only figures you have read on a live page.
- Leave a buffer in the extras column.
- Re-check the total at checkout against your ceiling.
Where to go next
If you are just starting, getting started with cssbuy spreadsheet shows how to set up the sheet itself. When you are ready to browse, open the store or return to the cssbuy spreadsheet home page.