I want to know our contribution margin by Friday
You can see revenue every day and profit every month, late. The gap is where bad orders hide. You want contribution after product, shipping, fees, and the ads that bought the order.
The lists for this job
These are the ones I'd pick first, which is why I partner with them. I may earn a referral fee.
DISCLOSURE
Listings and verdicts can't be bought. Sponsored slots and reviews are always labeled.
WHAT MATTERS
- Product cost is in a system, not a memory.
- Shipping and payment fees are in the same view.
- You will look at contribution by product, not only by the company.
Before you sign
- Where product cost comes from, and who updates it.
- Whether returns reduce the margin in the view.
- Who is allowed to export the number that goes to the board.
NONE OF THESE
If you do not know product cost, no tool will invent it. Build the cost file first. It can be a sheet.
Questions
Is Shopify's profit report enough?
It is a start. It is often wrong on cost and on ads. Check it against one SKU you know by heart.
Do I need a data warehouse?
Not for this question. A warehouse is for later, when the sources disagree and a person cannot reconcile them.
How often should I look?
Weekly for the products that matter. Monthly for the close.