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Understanding Your True Profits on Amazon
In the ever-evolving marketplace of Amazon, grasping the true extent of your profits remains a fundamental yet complex challenge. Many sellers experience the reality of tight profit margins, which are often misrepresented by so-called "gurus." They might show you a simple calculation of Alibaba cost versus Amazon price, claiming you can make substantial profits overnight. However, achieving a 20% marketplace profit margin is rare; a more realistic figure is closer to 12%, and that's before considering overhead costs like salaries.
The Reality of Amazon Profit Calculations
The formula for calculating your net profit on Amazon includes an extensive list of expenses:
Sales
FBA fee
Referral fee
Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising
Discounts/Coupons
Refunds
Storage fees
Removals/Disposals
Other fees (including coupon fees, deals, subscription, and other 70-something fees)
Reimbursements
Adjustments
With such a myriad of costs, it's crucial to have a method that accurately tracks your profits.
Expert Advice
JumpStart Audits' Suggestion: Invest in the Right Software
Tracking your profits effectively requires 24/7 access to detailed financial data. The market offers a variety of software solutions, each with different user interfaces, features, and financial bases (accrual vs. cash-based), which can integrate with accounting systems like Quickbooks or Xero to reconcile your bi-weekly payouts.
Stay ahead in the game by understanding your true profits, and consider embracing a solution that offers clarity and control over your Amazon business finances with JumpStart Audits!
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