Free Finance Tool

Distributor Margin Calculator

For CPG brands selling through distributors and brokers, this tool helps you understand the true cost of getting your product to market. Ensure your pricing strategy accounts for all intermediary costs.

Distributor Margin Calculator

Enter your numbers below to calculate instantly

Your Inputs

Your fully-loaded cost to produce one unit.
The price you sell to the distributor (your invoice price).
The margin the distributor takes on their selling price to the retailer. Typical range: 20–30%.
The margin the retailer takes on MSRP. Typical range: 30–50%.
Commission paid to your broker on your wholesale price. Enter 0 if no broker.
Your cost to ship one unit to the distributor's warehouse.
Promotional allowances and off-invoice deductions as a % of your wholesale price.

Your Results

Your Net Revenue Per Unit
Wholesale price minus broker commission, freight, and trade spend.
Your Gross Margin Per Unit
Net revenue minus COGS. This is what you actually keep per unit sold.
Your Gross Margin %
Gross margin as a percentage of your net revenue.
Implied MSRP
The retail shelf price implied by your wholesale price and the distributor/retailer margins entered.
Distributor Sells to Retailer At
The price the distributor charges the retailer.
Broker Commission Per Unit
Dollar amount paid to your broker per unit sold.

How This Calculator Works

This calculator takes your suggested retail price and works backward through each margin layer, including retailer, distributor, and broker fees. It determines the net price your brand receives after all deductions. The tool helps identify the impact of different margin structures on your profitability.

When to Use This Tool

A CPG brand is launching a new snack product and needs to set competitive pricing while ensuring profitability across retail channels.
The tool helps model different margin structures to find a sustainable net selling price that supports brand growth and covers operational costs.
An established beverage brand wants to assess the profitability of selling through a new regional distributor versus their current national network.
By inputting specific margin agreements, the brand can compare net selling prices and identify which distribution channel offers better financial returns per unit.
A frozen food brand is considering partnering with a new broker and needs to understand the impact of their proposed commission structure on the brand's bottom line.
The calculator quantifies the exact per-unit cost of the broker's commission, allowing for informed negotiation and clear understanding of the net revenue.

Common Questions

How does this tool handle variable trade spend or promotional allowances?
The tool includes an input for trade spend as a percentage, allowing you to factor in promotional allowances or marketing contributions that reduce your net selling price.
Can I use this for different product sizes or SKUs?
Yes, input the per-unit values for each specific SKU or product size. The calculations are based on individual unit economics, making it versatile for your entire product line.
What if my brand does not use a broker?
If you don't work with a broker, simply enter '0' for the broker commission percentage. The tool will then calculate your net selling price based solely on retailer and distributor margins.
Does this calculator account for my Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)?
While this tool primarily focuses on calculating your net selling price after channel margins, it does not directly incorporate your Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). You would compare the calculated net selling price against your COGS separately to determine gross profit per unit.

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