17 min read · July 17, 2024

5 Best Etsy Accounting Software for Etsy Sellers in 2024

Person

By Michael Schwartz

Hero img

Managing finances for an Etsy shop can be a daunting task, but the right accounting software can make it much easier. As Etsy sellers gear up for another bustling year of e-commerce, having the best Etsy accounting software is crucial for smooth business operations. In this guide, we'll explore the top options for accounting and bookkeeping software tailored specifically for Etsy sellers, helping you make informed decisions to manage your business effectively.

What are the Best Accounting Software Options for Etsy Sellers?

Post

(Image by DC Studio on Freepik)

QuickBooks Review for Etsy Sellers

Overview

QuickBooks is a household name, known for its robust accounting features that cater to small businesses across the board. For an Etsy seller, QuickBooks provides comprehensive tools that make tracking expenses, sales, and tax calculations considerably more straightforward.

QuickBooks Online also offers various plans that cater to different levels of business needs, making it scalable for your growing Etsy store. The software comes with a user-friendly interface, which is essential for business owners who may not have extensive accounting knowledge.

Benefits

  • Accountant-friendly: QuickBooks also offers an accountant-friendly system, making it easier for your accountant to collaborate on your business financials. Furthermore, the QuickBooks mobile app ensures you can manage your finances on the go, providing a flexible and versatile solution.
  • Integrations: QuickBooks with Taxomate integrates nicely with various e-commerce platforms, including Etsy, allowing seamless synchronization of your Etsy sales data, expenses, and other financial metrics.
  • QuickBooks Inventory: Taxomate + QuickBooks Inventory solution is great for those looking for detailed inventory reporting in your QuickBooks account.
  • Multi-currency: For business owners looking for comprehensive accounting solutions, QuickBooks supports everything from expense tracking to multi-currency handling.

Drawbacks

  • Cost: The cost can be a barrier for some Etsy sellers as QuickBooks Online is subscription-based, with plans that may seem pricey when compared to other options.
  • Learning Curve: Additionally, while it is user-friendly, there is still a learning curve associated with mastering all its features. Some Etsy sellers may find the initial setup and customization somewhat overwhelming.
  • Migration: Lastly, although QuickBooks offers a free trial, transitioning from the free trial to a paid plan might come with data migration challenges.

Xero:

Overview

Xero is another powerful player in the accounting software market, catering brilliantly to small business owners, including Etsy sellers. This cloud-based software offers an array of features for managing Etsy accounting effortlessly, from invoicing and bank reconciliation to payroll. Xero’s intuitive design ensures that Etsy sellers can easily navigate the platform without needing extensive accounting expertise, enhancing their Etsy bookkeeping processes significantly.

Benefits

  • Automation: Xero can automate many bookkeeping tasks, such as importing transactions from Etsy, reconciling bank accounts, and sending invoices. This saves time and reduces the risk of human error.
  • Financial Reporting: Xero supports real-time financial tracking, giving you an accurate snapshot of your business’s cash flow at any given moment.
  • Collaboration: The platform’s collaboration-focused approach allows business owners to invite their accountants to access their accounts, fostering a proactive approach to financial management.
  • Multi-Currency Support: If you sell to international customers, Xero’s multi-currency support can help you manage transactions in different currencies, automatically converting them to your base currency

Drawbacks

  • Cost: Etsy sellers might find the cost of Xero’s premium plans to be on the higher side, especially when compared to other accounting software options (still more affordable than QuickBooks).
  • Setup: While Xero is relatively easy to use, the initial setup process can be somewhat time-consuming, requiring a dedicated effort to integrate with your existing financial systems.
  • Support: Xero's customer support has mixed reviews, with some users reporting longer response times. This can be a potential downside for Etsy sellers who need quick resolutions to their accounting concerns.

Are you an Amazon seller? Here is a quick comparison between Quickbooks and Xero.

Post

(Image by our-team on Freepik)

Wave Accounting

Overview

Wave Accounting is a free/inexpensive accounting software option that is particularly attractive for Etsy sellers operating on a tight budget. This software is designed specifically with small business owners in mind, offering an array of essential accounting features without the hefty price tag.

Benefits

  • Free Plan: One of the primary benefits of Wave Accounting is that there is a free plan. which is particularly advantageous for new and small-scale Etsy businesses.
  • Invoices: Wave also includes feature-rich invoicing and receipt management capabilities, making it easier for Etsy sellers to track their financial transactions.
  • Payroll: Wave offers paid services for payroll and credit card processing, allowing you to scale up when necessary.

Drawbacks

  • Auto-import Banking: While the core accounting software is free, certain advanced features, such as auto-importing banking transactions are only on the upgraded plan.
  • API: Wave API is limited compared to QuickBooks and Xero, making the automatic reconciliation process more difficult.
  • Support: Wave offers email-based customer support, but it lacks the extensive support channels found in other premium accounting software, potentially leading to longer resolution times for any issues encountered.

Sage

Overview

Sage is another formidable choice for Etsy sellers seeking robust accounting software to handle their business financials. Known for its comprehensive suite of accounting and financial management tools, Sage caters well to both small businesses and larger enterprises. This software offers a range of features from invoice creation to detailed financial tracking, making it a reliable option for managing Etsy accounting efficiently.

Benefits

One of Sage's significant advantages is its comprehensive feature set that goes beyond basic accounting to offer advanced financial management tools.

  • Reporting: The platform’s detailed reporting tools enable Etsy sellers to gain deep insights into their financial performance, helping identify trends and making data-driven decisions.
  • Advanced Features: multi-currency support, detailed reporting and analytics, and advanced inventory management, which are critical for scaling your business operations.

Drawbacks

  • Cost: The cost of Sage can be quite high, especially for small to mid-sized Etsy businesses. The advanced features and thorough support options contribute to the higher price point, which might not be justifiable for smaller operations with simpler needs.
  • Overwhelming: Additionally, the complexity of Sage’s feature set can be overwhelming for those new to e-commerce accounting, requiring a significant learning curve to navigate effectively.
  • Customer Service: Sage’s customer service, while comprehensive, can sometimes be slow to respond, meaning Etsy sellers may have to wait longer for support on critical issues, which could impact business operations.

Netsuite

Overview

Netsuite stands out as an enterprise-level solution that offers an extensive range of accounting and financial management tools. While it may seem more suitable for larger businesses, Etsy sellers finding their operations scaling rapidly will find Netsuite’s robust suite appealing. The software provides a comprehensive overview of your business metrics, including sales, expenses, and projections, making it an excellent tool for detailed Etsy accounting and financial planning.

Benefits

  • Enterprise Support: Netsuite’s enterprise-level capabilities make it a phenomenal choice for Etsy sellers who are scaling up their businesses and need advanced financial management tools.
  • Reporting: The platform provides detailed and customizable reporting options, giving you a clear view of your Etsy shop’s financial health.
  • Scalability: As your Etsy business grows, Netsuite offers the flexibility to add advanced features and modules, ensuring your accounting software grows with you.


Drawbacks

  • Cost: As an enterprise-level solution, Netsuite’s pricing might be prohibitive for smaller Etsy sellers or those just starting. The investment may be substantial, making it a less viable option for businesses with limited budgets.
  • Setup: Additionally, the setup and customization process can be complex and time-consuming, which might be daunting for Etsy sellers with fewer technical resources.
  • Complex: This complexity might result in underutilizing some of its functionalities, making it less cost-effective.

What is Etsy Accounting and Why Do You Need It?

Post

(Image by jcomp on Freepik)

Understanding Etsy Accounting

Etsy accounting involves keeping track of all financial transactions related to your Etsy shop, including sales, expenses, taxes, and other financial activities. It is more than just maintaining a spreadsheet of income and outgoings; it encompasses comprehensive bookkeeping practices that allow you to manage your finances accurately and efficiently. For an Etsy seller, understanding Etsy accounting is crucial to ensure that all financial records are meticulously maintained and that tax compliance is up to date.

Accounting software for Etsy sellers makes tracking these facets of your business seamless by automating many of the tedious tasks associated with manual accounting. The right Etsy accounting software will provide you with accurate financial data, helping you make informed decisions about expenses, pricing, inventory, and other critical areas of your Etsy shop. Having proper Etsy accounting practices in place ensures that you have a clear picture of your business’s financial health at any given time.

The Importance of Accounting for Etsy Sellers

Proper accounting is vital for Etsy sellers for several reasons. Firstly, accurate financial records are foundational for understanding the true performance of your Etsy shop, offering insights that can help you make strategic decisions to drive growth. Without reliable accounting, Etsy sellers may struggle with tax compliance, leading to potential fines and penalties. Additionally, well-maintained financial records enable you to track your expenses, manage your budget, and make sure that your Etsy business remains profitable and sustainable.

Furthermore, detailed Etsy accounting helps in identifying trends and patterns in your sales data, which can be indispensable for forecasting and inventory management. For Etsy sellers, having precise accounting allows them to establish effective pricing strategies and promotions, enhancing their competitiveness in the e-commerce market. More importantly, accounting software for Etsy ensures that Etsy sellers can focus more on growing their business rather than being bogged down by manual accounting tasks.

How Proper Accounting Can Help Your Etsy Business Grow

Proper Etsy accounting can significantly contribute to the growth of your Etsy business by providing critical financial insights. By keeping track of all income and expenses accurately, you can identify areas of your business that are performing well and those that need improvement. This data-driven approach allows you to make informed decisions on where to invest your resources to achieve the best return on investment. Additionally, accurate bookkeeping is essential for managing cash flow effectively, ensuring that your business remains financially healthy and capable of handling unforeseen expenses or slow sales periods.

Moreover, modern accounting software for Etsy sellers offers features like sales forecasting, budget planning, and detailed reporting, which are invaluable tools for strategic planning. By leveraging these tools, Etsy sellers can set realistic financial goals, optimize their inventory management, and streamline their operations for better efficiency. Consequently, proper accounting fosters a solid foundation for sustained business growth, helping you adapt to market changes and continue expanding your Etsy shop’s reach and profitability.

How to Choose the Right Accounting Software for Your Etsy Business?

Factors to Consider When Selecting Accounting Software

When choosing accounting software for your Etsy business, several factors should be taken into account to ensure that the software aligns with your specific needs. Firstly, consider the level of integration the software offers with your Etsy store and other e-commerce platforms you might use. Seamless integration is key to automating data synchronization, reducing manual entry, and minimizing errors. Secondly, evaluate the range of features the Etsy accounting software provides, such as expense tracking, invoicing, payroll management, and detailed reporting.

Cost is another critical factor; it's important to choose software that fits your budget without compromising essential functionalities. Additionally, the scalability of the accounting software should be considered, particularly if you plan on growing your Etsy business. The software’s ease of use is equally important, especially for Etsy sellers who may not have extensive accounting knowledge. Lastly, look at customer support options and the availability of resources, such as tutorials and community forums, to ensure you have the help you need when you encounter issues.

Comparing Different Accounting Software Options for Etsy Sellers

Comparing various accounting software options for Etsy sellers involves examining their features, pricing, and overall suitability for your business needs. QuickBooks stands out for its extensive range of accounting functionalities, robust Etsy integration, and strong customer support. However, it comes at a higher price point, which may not be ideal for smaller Etsy shops. Xero offers a good balance between functionality and cost, providing essential accounting tools along with robust Etsy integration and real-time financial tracking that are crucial for Etsy businesses.

Wave, being a free service, is particularly attractive for Etsy sellers with limited budgets, offering basic but essential accounting features. Sage provides a more comprehensive suite of tools, including advanced financial analytics and inventory management, making it suitable for Etsy businesses looking to scale. Lastly, Netsuite is ideal for rapidly growing or larger Etsy businesses due to its expansive feature set and powerful financial planning tools, despite its higher cost and complexity. Evaluating these options helps Etsy sellers to find the best fit for their accounting needs.

Getting Started with Taxomate

Starting your journey with Taxomate is crafted to be an effortless experience for Etsy sellers. From the moment you sign up, you'll be met with an intuitive interface and clear, step-by-step instructions. The platform boasts a wealth of support resources, including detailed tutorials, a robust FAQ section, and responsive customer service, all designed to help you seamlessly integrate your Etsy account and fine-tune your financial settings.

Taxomate offers extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor the system to your business's specific needs. You can easily categorize transactions, establish tax rates, and set up income and expense accounts. Its powerful automation features drastically cut down on the manual work involved in bookkeeping, ensuring accurate sales reconciliation and providing a comprehensive financial snapshot.

Committed to keeping pace with Etsy's latest policies and tax regulations, Taxomate ensures you remain compliant and well-informed about any updates that could impact your business. Focused on simplicity, precision, and exceptional support, Taxomate is the go-to solution for Etsy sellers looking to streamline their accounting process.

If you're a Shopify seller, this might be a better list of Accounting Software for you.

(Hero Image by Freepik)

Frequently asked questions

author avatar

Michael Schwartz

Michael is the CEO and co-founder of taxomate, one of the leading e-commerce accounting integration software solutions.

Recent Posts

Integrate Etsy and Quickbooks for accurate accounting

Taxomate auto-categorizes your Shopify sales, fees, taxes, and more into accurate summaries that make reconciliation in Quickbooks a breeze.

accounting logo
swap icon
Sales channel logo
Master your ecommerce accounting

Subscribe to receive a wealth of ecommerce accounting and bookkeeping insights, articles, and resources in your inbox.