Understanding Product Profitability
Product profitability is the difference between what you sell a product for and all the costs to sell it. This includes Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) plus all platform fees, marketing spend, and other operating expenses.
The critical formula: Revenue - COGS - Fees - Expenses = Net Profit
Most sellers only look at gross profit (sale price - COGS) and miss platform fees and expenses, which can eliminate 30-50% of their apparent profits. This calculator shows your REAL profitability after ALL costs.
Gross Profit Calculator
Sale Price - COGS = Gross Profit
What customers pay for the product
Wholesale + shipping + packaging + duties + QC
Units sold (optional - for total profit)
Sale Price (per unit):
$0.00
- COGS (per unit):
$0.00
Gross Profit (per unit):
$0.00
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Amazon FBA Seller - PROFITABLE
- Sale Price: $25.00
- COGS: $10.00
- Referral Fee: $3.75 (15%)
- Fulfillment Fee: $2.92
- PPC/Marketing: $1.00
Net Profit = $25 - $10 - $3.75 - $2.92 - $1 = $7.33/unit (29% margin)
On 100 units = $733 profit
On 100 units = $733 profit
Example 2: Amazon FBA Seller - UNPROFITABLE (LOSS)
- Sale Price: $15.00
- COGS: $8.00
- Referral Fee: $2.25 (15%)
- Fulfillment Fee: $3.50
- PPC/Marketing: $2.00
Net LOSS = $15 - $8 - $2.25 - $3.50 - $2 = -$0.75/unit (LOSING $0.75 PER SALE!)
This product should be discontinued or repriced!
This product should be discontinued or repriced!
Example 3: Shopify Store - Profit Margin Comparison
- Product A - Gross Margin: ($25 - $10) / $25 = 60%
- Product B - Gross Margin: ($20 - $12) / $20 = 40%
Product A is more profitable per dollar of sales. Even though Product B has lower volume, focus on high-margin products like Product A.
Critical Profit Insights
- Gross ≠ Net: Many sellers see $10 gross profit and think they keep $10. They don't—platform fees can cut this to $5 or less.
- Calculate per SKU: Different products have different fees and costs. Calculate profitability individually.
- Low-margin products kill businesses: Selling 100 units at $0.50 profit = $50. Selling 10 units at $5 profit = $50 with 10% of the work.
- Review monthly: Fees change seasonally (Q4 storage), competitor prices drop, and your actual margins shift. Recalculate regularly.