What the Tracker Does
1. Complete Cost Breakdown
Enter your costs and watch the template calculate:
- Product cost (in any currency)
- Freight estimate (sea, air or courier)
- Insurance
- Import duty (based on your rate)
- Import VAT
- Customs clearance fees
- Port handling and other charges
- Total landed cost in GBP
2. Unit Cost & Margin Calculator
Add your expected selling price and quantity. The template shows:
- Cost per unit
- Gross margin percentage
- Break-even analysis
3. Import Readiness Checklist
A built-in checklist covering the seven things every UK importer needs before shipping:
- EORI number
- Commodity code
- Duty & VAT rates checked on the GOV.UK Trade Tariff
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Incoterms agreed
- Freight & customs clearance booking
4. Request a Carrgo Quote from Inside the Sheet
When you’re ready, the template includes a direct link to our quote form, so you can get a freight and customs clearance estimate without re-entering your details.
Who This Is For
- WooCommerce, Shopify and Amazon FBA sellers importing stock
- Small UK businesses buying from China, India, USA, EU or Vietnam
- Buyers who want to know their true margin before placing a large order
- Anyone who finds customs calculators confusing and wants a simple spreadsheet
How to Use the Template
Step 1: Get Your Free Copy
- Google Sheets (recommended): click “Use in Google Sheets — Free” above, then choose Make a copy when prompted — the copy is yours to edit.
- Microsoft Excel: click “Download for Excel (.xlsx)” — the file works straight away.
Step 2: Fill In Your Shipment Details
- Supplier name and product description
- Country of origin
- Incoterms (dropdown)
- Freight mode (dropdown)
- Currency and your exchange rate to GBP
Step 3: Enter Your Costs
- Product cost
- Freight estimate
- Insurance
- Duty rate (%)
- VAT rate (commonly 20%)
- Customs clearance fee
- Port handling fees
The template calculates your total landed cost automatically.
Step 4: Check Your Readiness
Work through the checklist sheet and mark each item as you complete it. The sheet tracks how many items are done and shows your readiness status.
Step 5: Request a Carrgo Quote
Use the quote link in the sheet (or on this page) to get a freight and customs clearance estimate in under 2 minutes.
What’s Inside the File
- Cost Tracker — shipment details, full cost breakdown, total landed cost in GBP, cost per unit, gross margin and break-even units.
- Import Readiness Checklist — the 7-point pre-shipment checklist with Yes/No dropdowns, guidance notes and a readiness score.
- Read Me & Disclaimer — how to use the template, where to verify duty and VAT rates, and the full disclaimer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this template really free?
Yes. The spreadsheet is 100% free to download and use. We offer freight and customs services if you choose to request a quote, but the template itself costs nothing.
Do I need Excel, or can I use Google Sheets?
Either. Use the free Google Sheets version — open it and choose File → Make a copy to get your own editable copy — or download the .xlsx file for Microsoft Excel. The formulas and dropdowns work in both.
Does it convert currencies automatically?
No — by design. You enter your supplier's currency and your exchange rate in a single cell, and the template converts the total to GBP. There are no macros and no external data connections, so the file is safe to open anywhere.
Does this calculate duty and VAT for me?
It calculates duty and VAT based on the rates you enter. You need to look up your commodity code and duty rate on the GOV.UK Trade Tariff (https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff) first. If you need help, request a Carrgo quote and our customs team can assist.
Is this tax or legal advice?
No. This template is for guidance only. Duty rates, VAT rules and freight costs change regularly. Always verify with the GOV.UK Trade Tariff and your freight forwarder.
Can I share this with my team?
Yes. Once you have downloaded it, it is your spreadsheet. Share it with colleagues, your accountant, or your freight forwarder.
Can I remove the Carrgo branding?
We ask that you keep the Carrgo header, footer and quote link in place. The template is free because it helps us reach UK sellers who might need freight services.
Related Resources
- What is an EORI Number?
- How to Find Your Commodity Code
- Import VAT Guide for UK Businesses
- UK Customs Clearance Explained
- WooCommerce Import Readiness Plugin
- Get a Freight Quote
Disclaimer: This spreadsheet is for guidance only. Duty rates, VAT rules and freight costs change regularly. Always verify with the GOV.UK Trade Tariff and your freight forwarder. Carrgo does not provide tax or legal advice.
Support
Email: support@carrgo.co.uk
Response time: Within 24 hours on business days