What accounting an online store needs
Your own website or an Instagram shop is not the same as selling on a marketplace: there are no automatic platform deductions, which means all accounting for sales, payments and delivery has to be built by yourself.
Which format fits
At the start, with a small turnover, most people choose a sole proprietorship — it is faster and simpler to register. As turnover grows, the range expands or partners join, many switch to an LLC, especially if they plan to work with wholesale suppliers on non-cash terms.
What to keep in mind
Accepting card payments online, like selling in an ordinary shop, requires cash discipline — this is a common point of error for small online stores growing out of personal social media. Courier delivery is a separate process: it can be a staff employee, a contractor under a contract or a third-party delivery service, and the choice determines how these costs are documented.
Common mistakes
- They don't issue a receipt for online payments, assuming that since the payment is made "online" — no cash register is needed
- They run the business account as a personal one, mixing sales with ordinary conversations and not recording income
- They don't officially register couriers or delivery contractors
Conclusion
An online store that has grown out of a personal account sooner or later requires the same careful accounting as an ordinary retail store — the only difference is that many people put this moment off longer than they should. We'll help you set up accounting for the format of your particular store.