POD profit margins range from 15–50% depending on platform, product cost and sale price.
What this calculator does
Merch by Amazon has no fees but requires approval. Etsy charges listing + transaction fees.
When to use this calculator
Reach for this calculator when you need to present a business metric to stakeholders. Accurate, consistently-defined figures command more credibility than estimates, particularly in financial discussions.
Common mistakes
Many business metric errors arise from using the wrong time period for the calculation. Annualising a figure from a seasonal month, or averaging a figure that changes over time, can produce misleading results that don't reflect steady-state performance.
Real-world scenarios
A startup founder uses the calculator to determine break-even point: fixed monthly costs £12,000, variable cost per unit £18, selling price £42. Break-even is 500 units per month — a concrete sales target that the team can evaluate against pipeline and capacity.
Frequently asked questions
Is print-on-demand profitable?
Yes, with the right niche. Expect 20–40% margins. Top sellers earn $3K–$30K/month passively.