A worked example
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Order total (3 vials at $50) | $150.00 |
| Supplier cost (3 at $15) | -$45.00 |
| Share of batch testing | -$12.00 |
| Packaging, labels, cold packs | -$6.50 |
| Payment fee at 5% | -$7.50 |
| Shipping you paid | -$12.00 |
| Allowance for refunds and replacements (2%) | -$3.00 |
| Profit before overhead | $64.00 |
That is about 43 percent of revenue before rent, software, your time and marketing. Many owners who calculate it for the first time find their free shipping threshold or their discount codes are costing more than they thought.
The three numbers that move profit most
- Order size. Per-order costs like shipping and packaging shrink as a share of larger orders.
- Payment method. Bank transfer and Zelle usually cost far less than card, which is why many stores offer a discount for them.
- Testing spread. A batch tested once and sold in full costs less per vial than a batch that sits half unsold.
Common leaks
- Free shipping thresholds set below the point where shipping stops hurting.
- Discount codes stacking on top of quantity breaks.
- Placed orders that never get paid, while stock sits on hold.
- Replacements for damage that better packaging would have prevented.
How Purity helps
Purity records what each batch cost you, from the purchase order through to the stock on the shelf, so you can see margin by product and by batch. Unpaid order holds, reminders and payment matching close the most common leak in this category.
Common questions
- What is a normal profit margin for a research peptide store?
- It varies widely with supplier, testing and volume. Work out your own per-order number with real costs rather than relying on an industry figure.