Short answer
Start with sales revenue, then subtract platform fees, the cost of items sold, seller commission and other show expenses. Compare the result across shows—not just the sales totals.
One calculation, five inputs
Estimated show profit = sales revenue − platform fees − cost of goods sold − seller commission − other show costs. Use one currency throughout and count each expense once.
- Sales revenue: the item sales for the show, adjusted for refunds. Buyer-paid sales tax is not your sales revenue.
- Platform fees: use the fees reported for those orders. A payout may already have fees deducted—don’t subtract them again.
- Cost of goods sold: the purchase cost of the items that actually sold, not everything you bought for the show.
- Seller commission: apply your agreed staff payment rules. This is separate from the selling platform’s commission.
- Other show costs: packaging, shipping you paid, promotion, applicable taxes on fees and any other expenses you include.
A simple show example
Suppose a show brings in $1,000 in item sales. Its actual platform fees are $120, the sold items cost $400, staff commission is $100, and other show expenses are $30.
$1,000 − $120 − $400 − $100 − $30 = $350 estimated show profit, or a 35% margin on item sales. These are invented example amounts, not a platform fee schedule. Expenses left out of the calculation are not covered by that result.
Check the result before comparing shows
Match each show to its sales export and order statements. Include refunds and adjustments in the same comparison period, confirm item costs, and check the seller’s commission plan. If shipping collected from buyers is included in your revenue, include the corresponding shipping expense as well.
A missing cost is unknown, not automatically free. Keep incomplete shows marked as estimates until you fill the gaps. A payout is a transfer of money and may include timing differences, credits or older orders; it is not the same thing as profit.
Compare profit as well as revenue
Use the same inputs and period for each comparison. Look at total profit, margin and the items sold. A larger show can earn less after item costs, fees and staff pay; the difference helps you choose products and starting prices for the next show.
Keep it simple in ScanStation
The optional Profitability Dashboard brings show revenue, fees, item costs and seller commission together. Filter by date, platform or seller, open a show to review its items, and export reports. Whatnot sales require your export; financial connections need separate setup and support in your installed release.
Review missing-cost, unconfirmed-fee and commission warnings before relying on a total. Compare any additional expenses you track separately with the dashboard’s estimated profit. It is a practical show report, not a complete accounting or tax return.
Useful next steps
- Try the free Whatnot fee and profit calculator
- See the Profitability Dashboard
- Set up costs and seller commission
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