How to Create an Account on Plugbooks: A Step-by-Step Guide

 In the world of e-commerce, having a reliable accounting software like Plugbooks can streamline your financial management and provide valuable insights. Plugbooks offers an easy-to-use platform that integrates with major e-commerce and bookkeeping systems. Getting started with Plugbooks is simple and straightforward. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process of creating an account on Plugbooks, so you can begin managing your finances efficiently.

Step 1: Get Started and Choose How to Start Your Account

To begin creating your account on Plugbooks, follow these steps:

Visit the Plugbooks website at plugbooks.io and click the Get Started button on the homepage.

Once you’ve clicked “Get Started,” you’ll be presented with the following sign-in options:

1. Google: Sign in with your Google account.
2. QuickBooks: Sign in with your QuickBooks account.
3. Xero: Sign in with your Xero account.

Step 2: Select Your Sales Channel

After choosing your sign-in method, the next step is to select your sales channel. Plugbooks allows you to connect with various platforms to streamline your financial management. You can select from the following options:

1. eBay
2. Amazon
3. Amazon Pay

Choose the sales channels that apply to your business. This integration will help automate the retrieval of sales data and simplify your accounting processes. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection process for each selected channel.

Step 3: Connect Your Sales Channel

After selecting your sales channel, such as Amazon, you will need to fill out the following fields:

1. Name: Enter the name of your account or store.
2. Region: Select North America from the dropdown menu. Currently, only North America is available for connection.
3. Marketplace: Choose from the available North American marketplaces, including US, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico.

Once you have filled in these fields, click the Connect button to link your account. This will allow Plugbooks to access and manage your sales data.

For additional guidance on connecting other sales channels, check out these resources:

• Connect with Amazon
• Connect with eBay
• Connect with Amazon Pay

Step 4: Connect Bookkeeping Software (Optional)

After connecting your sales channels, you will have the option to link your bookkeeping software. This step is optional and can be completed later if you choose to skip it. You can connect to:

1. QuickBooks
2. Xero

If you decide to skip this step, you can proceed to the next stage of the setup process. Use the provided link to continue directly to the next step: Skip Bookkeeping and Continue.

You can always connect your bookkeeping software later by accessing the integration options in your Plugbooks dashboard.

Step 5: Account Mapping

In this step, you’ll need to map your transaction categories from your sales channels to the chart of accounts (COA) in your bookkeeping software, such as Xero or QuickBooks. You can do this either manually or by using Plugbooks automapping functionality.

• Manual Mapping: Select the appropriate COA for each transaction category, such as sales and refunds.
• Automapping Functionality: Alternatively, use Plugbooks automapping feature. This function creates a new chart of accounts that automatically connects with categories based on your sales channels, simplifying the mapping process.

Proper account mapping ensures accurate financial reporting and seamless integration between Plugbooks and your bookkeeping system.

Step 6: Configuration

After completing account mapping, your next step is configuration based on your bookkeeping software—Xero or QuickBooks.

Case 1: Configuration for Xero

1. Check Invoice Status:
   1. In the Invoice Management section, view the status of invoices sent to Xero, which can be Draft (not yet finalized) or Approved (confirmed and sent).
2. Automate Future Invoices:
   1. Enable the option for Plugbooks to automatically send future invoices to Xero, streamlining your invoicing process.
3. You’ll receive notifications for any pending or failed invoices.

Case 2: Configuration for QuickBooks

1. Automate Future Invoices:
   1. Enable automation to send invoices to QuickBooks for all new transactions automatically, simplifying your invoicing process.

1. Bank Account Mapping:
   1. Select the appropriate accounts:
      
      
      1. Negative Balance Charge Account: Choose an account to manage charges when your balance is negative.
      1. Positive Balance Deposit Account: Select an account to manage deposits when your balance is positive.

Step 7: Subscription Invoice Account

The Subscription Invoice Account step appears only if you have connected your bookkeeping software (Xero or QuickBooks). This step is essential for gathering information to send your Plugbooks subscription fee invoice.

Scenario 1: Configuration for Xero

1. Select Organization:
   1. Choose the Xero organization to which you want to send your Plugbooks subscription fee invoice.

Scenario 2: Configuration for QuickBooks

1. Select Organization:
   1. Choose the QuickBooks organization where you want to send your Plugbooks subscription fee invoice.
2. Select QuickBooks Bank Account:
   1. In this case, you must also select the QuickBooks bank account from which the subscription fee will be debited.

Step 8: Pricing

In this step, you can select a subscription package that best fits your needs. Plugbooks offers various packages tailored to different order volumes and requirements for historical data access.

1. Choose a Package:
   
   
   1. Review the available subscription packages, each designed to accommodate different business sizes and order frequencies.
   1. Packages vary based on:
      1. Number of Orders: Select a package that matches your expected order volume.
      • Historical Data Access: Choose a package that includes the historical data you need for comprehensive financial analysis.
   2. Make Your Selection:
      1. After reviewing the options, select the package that aligns with your business requirements.
2. Note:
   • If you choose to skip connecting your bookkeeping software, which is Step 4, you will be directed straight to this Pricing step without needing to complete the bookkeeping setup.

For more information about pricing, click here.

Step 9: User Consent

In the last step, you will provide your consent to Plugbooks’ terms and conditions and privacy policy. This step is crucial for ensuring that you understand and agree to the policies governing your use of the platform.

1. Review Terms and Conditions:
   1. Take a moment to read through the terms and conditions and privacy policy to understand your rights and responsibilities while using Plugbooks.
2. Provide Consent:
   • Check the box to confirm that you agree with the terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Conclusion

Creating an account on Plugbooks is a simple and efficient process that can greatly benefit your e-commerce business. With its powerful features and seamless integrations, Plugbooks helps you stay on top of your financial management. Follow this guide to set up your account and start enjoying the benefits of streamlined accounting today.