How to use these calculators
A marketplace sale can appear profitable before fees and advertising but lose money after all variable costs. Use an explicit per-order model with seller-entered fee assumptions, then compare a standard order with promotional pricing and returns. Fee policies differ by marketplace, item category and region.
A worked scenario
Contribution profit: $15 per order; contribution margin: 30%.
Overhead, taxes, refunds and unsold inventory are not included in this per-order contribution estimate.
How to plan this decision
- List variable costs per order
Include product, fulfillment, payment charges and customer acquisition spend.
- Enter actual marketplace charges
Check your marketplace fee statement for category- and region-specific terms.
- Compare promotion and return scenarios
Test whether discounts, higher ad cost or expected refunds consume the remaining contribution.
Read the detailed worked guide →
Start with the formula
Learn why margin and markup produce different percentages and how to use each one when setting prices.
Read Margin vs. Markup: the Difference That Changes Your Pricing →