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Case Study

5 Stars United

From manual spreadsheets to precise landed-cost allocation and FIFO COGS across six regions

5 Stars United case study cover

Global ecommerce brand: six regions (USA, UK, Canada, Mexico, Australia, EU), ~$30M revenue, 50+ SKUs, Amazon plus TikTok Shop, multi-vendor 3PL and cross-border freight.

Industry
Global e-commerce
Revenue
≈$30M annually
Catalog
50+ SKUs
Channels
Amazon, TikTok Shop
Regions
USA, UK, Canada, Mexico, Australia, EU
Supply chain
Multi-vendor 3PL
−85% reduction in COGS errors vs. spreadsheet process
The Problem

Spreadsheets couldn't keep up with global growth

Costs and inventory lived in spreadsheets across regions:

  • Shared costs (freight, storage, customs) were not allocated cleanly per SKU/batch
  • Approximate COGS weakened P&L and SKU profitability views
  • Pricing and markdowns lacked landed-cost clarity by region
  • Month-end meant heavy manual COGS and channel work before QuickBooks Online
The Solution

Automated cost allocation and real-time financial visibility

NeonPanel replaced spreadsheet workflows with:

  • Landed-cost allocation — freight, duties, and storage to batches (weight, volume, value rules)
  • One operating view — fabrication, in-transit, 3PL, FBA/AWD
  • FIFO COGS at sale — batch-level, not estimates
  • QuickBooks Online sync — journals and balances tied to the ledger
  • Reporting for COGS, SKU margin, and finance-led pricing and markdowns
Outcomes

Key results in the first 6 months

25+ Hours saved per month Via automation and QuickBooks Online sync
+15% Increased profitability On key SKUs through dynamic pricing updates
−85% Fewer COGS errors In cost allocation vs. the spreadsheet process
+20% Cash flow improvement From clear cost visibility in purchasing and markdown timing
+10% Amazon revenue growth Driven by better pricing and markdown decisions

NeonPanel has been a game-changer for us. We no longer have to rely on estimates for our COGS or pricing decisions. The integration with QuickBooks Online alone has saved us hours of manual work and made our financial reporting significantly more accurate. The system has transformed our cost tracking and allowed us to optimize pricing with confidence. It's a critical tool for our growth in multiple markets.

Anna Samsonova
Anna Samsonova Chief Operating Officer, 5 Stars United

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