eBay Inventory Cost Calculator
Estimate your total eBay inventory cost, cost per item, expected revenue, profit and margin based on purchase, shipping, fees and selling price.
Overview
Use this eBay inventory cost calculator to estimate the total cost of a batch of items and compare it with expected selling revenue. Enter your quantity, item cost, inbound shipping, other inventory expenses, expected sale price and fee rates to get a quick view of profit and margin.
How it works
The calculator first works out your total inventory cost by adding item purchase cost, inbound shipping and other batch expenses. It then estimates gross revenue from the quantity multiplied by the expected sale price. eBay and payment processing fees are calculated as percentages of gross revenue. Estimated net profit is gross revenue minus fees and total inventory cost, and profit margin is net profit divided by gross revenue.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter the number of items in the batch.
- 2Add your purchase cost per item.
- 3Include the total inbound shipping cost for the batch.
- 4Enter any other inventory-related costs such as prep or packaging.
- 5Add the expected sale price per item and your estimated fee rates.
- 6Review the total inventory cost, estimated profit and margin.
Example Calculation
Number of items
50
Purchase cost per item
$12
Inbound shipping total
$40
Other inventory costs
$25
Expected sale price per item
$25
eBay fee rate
13%
Payment processing rate
3%
Total inventory cost
$665.00
For 50 items bought at $12 each, with $40 inbound shipping and $25 in other costs, the total inventory cost is $665. If all items sell for $24.99 each, gross revenue is about $1,249.50 and estimated net profit is about $381.47, which is roughly a 30.5% margin.
Frequently asked questions
What does this eBay inventory cost calculator estimate?
It estimates your total batch cost, average cost per item, expected revenue, net profit and profit margin for an eBay inventory purchase.
Does this calculator include eBay fees?
Yes. It includes a separate eBay fee percentage input and an optional payment processing percentage input so you can estimate selling costs.
Should I include shipping in my inventory cost?
Yes. Inbound shipping is part of your landed cost, so including it gives a more realistic cost per item and profit estimate.
Can I use this for bundles or mixed inventory lots?
Yes, as long as the values you enter represent reasonable averages for the batch. Mixed lots may need more careful estimating.
Does this include returns or refunds?
No. Returns, refunds, damaged goods and unsold inventory are not included unless you manually add an allowance into other inventory costs.
Why is profit margin different from profit per item?
Profit per item shows average dollars earned per unit, while profit margin shows profit as a percentage of total revenue.
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Assumptions and warnings
Assumptions
- All items in the batch are sold at the same average selling price.
- Fee percentages are applied to gross revenue only.
- Inbound shipping and other inventory costs are spread evenly across all items.
- Taxes, returns, refunds, storage costs and advertising costs are not included unless added to other inventory costs.
- Results are estimates and actual marketplace fees and sale prices may vary.
Warnings
- This calculator provides an estimate only and is not financial or business advice.
- Actual eBay fees, returns, discounts, taxes and shipping charges can change your final profit.