Outright is Now Charging Etsy Sellers – Here’s an Alternative Bookkeeping System
24. Feb, 2011 
13 Comments
For those Etsy sellers that have been using Outright.com as their bookkeeping system, they are now charging $9.95 per month.
Statement from Outright’s CEO
To support our investment, we’ve considered various business models and have decided that putting tons of ads in front of users isn’t the right way for us to cover our expenses. As a result, we have made the decision to implement a paid subscription model for Outright. New users are now charged $9.95 a month after a 30 day free trial.
I have felt the needs of the community, and being a handmade artist, developed the Handmade Bookkeeping Spreadsheet specifically for artist and crafters. In many ways, it rivals other bookkeeping systems, but cuts out the nonsense, complexity, and higher costs. The Handmade Bookkeeping Spreadsheet has also had developmental input from a CPA that is a small business expert and has “audited” the functionality and reporting—you know you are getting a product you can rely on.
Here is the breakdown comparison of the Handmade Bookkeeping Spreadsheet and Outright.
The Handmade Bookkeeping Spreadsheet
Not only is the data entry created in a way that is very user friendly, but it has relevant and insightful reporting that is created automatically!
- Reports for each month (34 graphical reports to choose from)
- Reports for the year (155 graphical reports to choose from)
This bookkeeping system also allows you to customize the financial “books” to the unique needs of your small business through a custom setup function. Also, since this bookkeeping system is based in spreadsheet form (Microsoft Excel), it is also fully customizable to cover any unique needs of your business – you can also manually change the colors to match your business’ brand or add your logo for a personalized touch.
If you are overwhelmed about the bookkeeping responsibility of your handmade business—don’t sweat it! There are detailed instructions as well as bookkeeping hints and reminders specific to each transaction throughout the tool.
What are Etsy sellers saying about the Handmade Bookkeeping Spreadsheet?
Ira Mency: (Product Review)
It’s easy to input and choose reports accordingly. You don’t have to know a thing about spreadsheets to use this because the software navigates like the web. There are what Tim calls, “Visual numerical stories” which are graphs that make financial trends, warning signs, and success easy to recognize for your business. I particularly like the idea of entering data and importing it via a CSV file (comma separated files, these are an option for the Etsy seller), and letting the software do the rest. One may need to “copy and paste” key information, import or, choose from drop down menus, but some sections are automatically updated when you complete other areas. Tim did indicate that the goal was to make bookkeeping easy, so an artist could focus on the business side of selling and not the paperwork side. A little data entry and this turns into a huge time saver.
Heather Lewis, of Mattie Reid Designs.
There is really nothing out there on the market comparable to this, because normal tax accounting software does not have these specialized categories .
Larry, of Larry’s Leather Work
A very large spread sheet and worth the money. I believe if your not tracking it, then you don’t know where your at on it. I have used spread sheets before and built a few small ones. This has had a lot of work put into it. Thank you for a great product and fast delivery.
Despite the cost, Outright continues to be a viable option for some handmade artists. The best bookkeeping system is the one you feel most comfortable with and will consistently use. The Handmade Bookkeeping Spreadsheet is a capable alternative.
About The Author
1716 
1691
One more important point – Outright is designed to be a Cash Basis accounting system. It’s not for businesses that use the Accrual Basis.
And since everyone who has inventory MUST use the Accrual Basis, it’s pretty useless for most Etsy sellers.
Like or Dislike:
0 
1
Any idea how this would work on the OpenOffice Calc spread sheet program instead of Excel? I’d love to get this if it works!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Heidi, there is a full compatibility chart right on the listing. It does work with open office.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Thank you. I couldn’t find it when I had looked, but now I see it.
Appreciate the info.
Dang I hate bookeeping!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I don’t trust my things ONLINE. NOTHING with identity theft these days. Tim’s software is the way to go.
Like or Dislike:
0 
1
For anyone who is on a tight budget, there are a few free solutions out there. Sage’s (Peachtree) Simply Accounting has a free express version for a single person business. 285mb download, available for US/Canadian/UK small business owners.
http://www.simplyaccounting.com/downloads/firststep/express/
Like or Dislike:
0 
1
Couple of questions.
1. Will this work if I have 4 different shops but they are all under one tax id #? Some are on different sites other than etsy.
2. Will this work for supply shops?
Thanks so much!
Hugs,
Gina
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Gina,
It will work if you have 4 shops and for supply shops.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I’ve ordered and received my Handmade Bookkeeping Spread sheet I’m just looking over and reading up on things and I can’t wait sto start implimenting it.
Thank you again Tim
for all of your help
Debra
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
You are welcome Debra!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Thanks Tim!
One more question:)
Will this track inventory for supply sellers?
Hugs,
Gina
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Thanks so much for posting this. I didn’t know Outright was starting to charge. I’m almost ready to look at some software and believe I will be heading towards yours.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Your free goals tracker was so great, I’ve decided to purchase and use this as well. (I’m way past due keeping all of this info organized). Thanks Tim.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0