❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)¶

Import¶

Q: What does "Skipped N records" mean during import?¶

The system automatically deduplicates: records with the same order ID from the same platform won't be imported twice. Re-importing the same CSV will automatically skip existing records.

Q: Which platforms are supported for order import?¶

Currently supports JD.com, Taobao/Tmall, and Steam. Other platforms (e.g., Pinduoduo, Meituan) can be entered manually via the "Add Item" feature.

Q: Why are some orders missing after import?¶

The following orders are automatically filtered during import: - JD/Taobao: Incomplete orders (pending payment, cancelled, etc.) - Steam: Refunds, wallet top-ups (total amount ≤ 0) - All platforms: Duplicate existing orders

Q: What if JD.com triggers risk control during export?¶

We recommend exporting by year segments rather than all history at once. For example: export 2024 first, then 2025 after completion.

Q: Where is the exported Taobao CSV file?¶

Chrome automatically downloads to your system's "Downloads" folder after export. File naming format: tb-orders-YYYYMMDD-HHmmss-complete.csv.

Q: Can I import Excel files?¶

Currently only CSV format is supported. If you have Excel files, you can save them as CSV using Excel/WPS first, then import.

Q: Can I edit data after import?¶

Yes. Click any item card to open the detail popup, then click "Edit" to modify any field.

Daily Average Cost¶

Q: How is daily average cost calculated?¶

• Items in use: Daily cost = Purchase price ÷ Days from purchase to today
• Sold items: Daily cost = (Purchase price - Sale price) ÷ Days held
• Retired items: Daily cost = Purchase price ÷ Days held

Q: What's the daily cost of a ¥0 free gift?¶

¥0 gifts have a daily cost of exactly 0 and are excluded from daily cost sorting.

Q: Will daily cost update if I change the purchase date?¶

Yes. Daily cost is calculated dynamically on every query — it updates automatically when you modify the purchase date.

Q: Why does daily cost equal the purchase price?¶

This usually happens when the purchase date is today or yesterday, making the holding period just 1 day. The daily cost will gradually decrease as holding days increase.

Data Management¶

Q: Where is data stored?¶

Q: Will my data be lost?¶

• Desktop/Android: Data stored in SQLite database, won't be lost on app close
• Web: Data stored in browser — clearing browser cache/data will cause loss. Export backups regularly

Q: How to migrate data to a new device?¶

1. On the old device, go to Settings and click "Export Database"
2. Transfer the .db file to the new device
3. On the new device, go to Settings and click "Import Database" to select the file

Q: Will importing a database overwrite my existing data?¶

Yes. Importing a database replaces all current data. We recommend exporting your current data as a backup first.

Q: Can I sync data across multiple devices?¶

Cloud sync is not currently supported. You can manually sync between devices by exporting/importing the database.

Q: Can I recover data after clearing all data?¶

No. "Clear All Data" is irreversible — always export a backup before proceeding.

Usage¶

Q: How do I quickly find a specific item among many?¶

• Use the search bar at top of home page — supports fuzzy search by name, store, model, order ID
• Use the platform filter dropdown to show only items from a specific platform
• Sort by daily cost (descending) to quickly find your biggest "money-burners"

Q: How do I hide an item without deleting it?¶

Use the "Archive" feature. In the item detail popup, click the "📦" button — the item hides from home but data is preserved. Archived items can be viewed and restored in Settings → Archive Management.

Q: How do I restore an archived item?¶

Go to Settings → Archive Management → find the item → click "📥" to restore.

Q: How do I permanently delete an item?¶

Items must be archived first, then permanently deleted. After archiving, click "🗑️" in the item detail popup — confirm and it's irreversible.

Q: Does the app have ads?¶

No. DailyCost Vault is completely free during Beta with zero ads.

Q: Is dark mode supported?¶

Yes. Settings page lets you switch between Light / Dark / Follow System. You can also choose from 5 color schemes (Matcha Green / Sky Blue / Berry Purple / Peach Pink / Tangerine Orange).

Q: Can I set different colors for different platforms?¶

Yes. In Settings, each platform has a colored dot button — click to open the color picker. Choose from 10 preset colors or enter a custom HEX value. Changes take effect immediately.

Q: What are custom emojis and how do I use them?¶

DailyCost Vault has 37 built-in custom emojis across 4 categories: Party Parrots (15 parrot GIF animations), Reactions (12 Blob-style SVGs), Cats (6 cat GIFs), Mascots (4 GitHub-style icons). Select them in the icon picker when adding or editing items.

Q: What if search returns no results?¶

When search or filters return no results, the page shows contextual guidance: distinguishing between "keyword-only search," "platform-only filter," and "combined" scenarios, with a "Clear All Filters" button to reset.

Q: How do I record a sold item?¶

Edit the item → expand "Optional Info" → set status to "Sold" → set end date and sale price. The system automatically calculates actual net cost and profit/loss (profit shown in green).

Q: What's the daily cost of a ¥0 free gift?¶

¥0 items (price = 0) have a daily cost of exactly 0 and are excluded from sorting and comparison. These items are mainly for asset recording rather than cost tracking.

Platform¶

Q: Is macOS supported?¶

The macOS version is being planned — stay tuned.

Q: Is iOS supported?¶

The iOS version is being planned. You can use the web version for now.

Q: Is Linux supported?¶

The Linux version is being planned — stay tuned.

Q: What's the difference between the desktop and web versions?¶

Q: Android shows "Parse error" during installation?¶

Make sure the .apk file is complete (not truncated) and your Android version is ≥ 8.0.

Security¶

Q: Is my order data secure?¶

DailyCost Vault runs completely offline — all data is stored locally and never uploaded to any server. See PRIVACY.

Q: Do browser extensions leak my shopping data?¶

No. Browser extensions run only in your local Chrome and don't upload data to third parties. You can remove extensions anytime after exporting.

Q: What if exported CSV files contain personal information?¶

• JD/Taobao extensions enable "Mask" by default — recipient name, phone, and address are partially hidden
• You can uncheck "Mask" during export for full info, but keep exported files safe
• Do NOT commit CSV files to GitHub or share with untrusted parties

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