Supply categories to price
| Supply | Why it matters | Cost to track |
|---|---|---|
| Boxes and mailers | Wrong sizing increases postage, damage risk, and packing time. | Cost per shipment by common order type. |
| Labels and printer supplies | Label workflow affects speed and error rate. | Label cost per order plus printer maintenance. |
| Digital scale | Accurate weights reduce underpaid or overpaid postage. | One-time equipment cost allocated across orders. |
| Packing material | Protection matters, but overpacking consumes margin. | Average fill, wrap, tissue, tape, and insert cost. |
| Storage and inventory bins | Organization prevents delays, stockouts, and mistaken shipments. | One-time setup cost and ongoing replacement cost. |
How to use this with margin planning
Add the average packaging and shipping supply cost into the calculators as packaging per order, packaging per unit, or other variable cost. If a supply is a one-time equipment cost, allocate it across expected orders so it does not distort a single sale.
Before buying supplies
- Measure your most common product sizes and weights.
- Check whether free carrier packaging is allowed for the service you use.
- Compare damage risk against supply savings.
- Calculate the supply cost per order before discounting or offering free shipping.
- Keep at least one simple reorder point for critical supplies.
Use the calculators
Use the Ecommerce Profit Margin Calculator to include packaging and shipping costs in profit. Use the Product Pricing Calculator when setting prices around shipping subsidies.