Quick answer
The Discount Impact Calculator shows how many more sales a discount needs to earn the same profit. How it works: Sales needed = (profit per sale now × current sales) ÷ profit per sale at the discount. For example, with normal price of $40, cost per sale (all-in) of $24, and discount of 20 %, the sales needed to match profit is 200.
How to use the Discount Impact Calculator
- Enter normal price.
- Enter cost per sale (all-in). Product, fees, and shipping.
- Enter discount.
- Enter sales you make now.
- Read sales needed to match profit and the breakdown. Use Share to send the exact numbers, or Print to save a PDF.
How it's calculated
- Sales needed = (profit per sale now × current sales) ÷ profit per sale at the discount
Worked example
With normal price of $40, cost per sale (all-in) of $24, discount of 20 %, and sales you make now of 100:
Sales needed to match profit: 200. Extra sales: +100 (100%).
Discount Impact questions
How much more do I need to sell to cover a discount?
Extra sales needed = margin ÷ (margin − discount) − 1. With a 40% margin, a 20% discount needs 100% more units to make the same profit.
Why does a small discount need so many extra sales?
The discount comes straight out of your profit, not your price. A 20% discount can halve the profit on each sale when your margin is 40%.
Is a percentage off or free shipping better?
Free shipping often feels bigger to buyers for the same cost. Compare both in dollars per order before you choose.