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Shipping Break-Even

Break-even units = fixed costs / contribution margin per order; break-even ROAS = 1 / contribution margin rate.

Updated 2026-10-31About 3 minLocal test
Quick answer

Break-even units = fixed costs / contribution margin per order; break-even ROAS = 1 / contribution margin rate. Shipping charged and cost both belong in the P&L; free shipping must be baked into price.

Why it matters

Without the break-even point you can't judge whether to scale ads.

Shipping is subject to transaction fee.

Step by step

  1. Confirm price/shipping/materials/labor/packaging.
  2. Subtract listing/transaction/payment/offsite ads.
  3. Calculate net profit/margin before free shipping/discounts.
  4. Spot-check real orders; don't treat Etsy revenue as profit.
  5. Keep fee/refund/ad records for tax filing.

Common mistakes

  • Treating Etsy revenue as profit.
  • Omitting offsite ads/payment fixed fee/packaging.
  • Free shipping not baked into price.
  • Increasing ads while losing money.

Checklist

  • Price/shipping/materials/labor/packaging confirmed.
  • Listing/transaction/payment/ad fees deducted.
  • Net profit/margin positive.
  • Real-order spot check.
  • Fee/refund/tax records kept.

Key facts

  • Shipping is subject to transaction fee.
  • Return postage is separate.

FAQ

Where is the break-even point for Shipping?

Break-even units = fixed costs / contribution margin per order; break-even ROAS = 1 / contribution margin rate. Shipping charged and cost both belong in the P&L; free shipping must be baked into price.

How long does it take?

Usually 1-3 minutes; for intermittent issues, run 30 seconds and retest elsewhere.

Is data uploaded?

Runs locally and does not upload video/audio; extensions may still read the page.

Source: Etsy shipping