Sample e-commerce margin model
An illustrative e-commerce model showing the true unit margin you keep after COGS, shipping, fees, and returns, plus the inventory and working capital behind the cash.
This example is fore-commerce and DTC operators who want to see real margin, not just gross.
Illustrative example, sample data only, not guaranteed outcomes.
True unit margin (illustrative)
- Revenue and AOV per order
- COGS, shipping, and payment fees netted out
- Returns modelled as a margin line
- Contribution margin after CAC
Cash & inventory (illustrative)
- Working capital tied up in stock
- Reorder points and timing
- Seasonality across the calendar
- Runway under returns-up / free-ship scenarios
Outputs
- True unit-margin model
- Inventory & cash-flow plan
- Lender-ready financial model
Questions founders ask
What is an e-commerce financial model?+
A projection of revenue and the true margin kept after COGS, shipping, fees, and returns, with inventory and working capital tied to cash timing.
Does it handle returns and fees?+
Yes, they are netted into a true unit margin, so the profit you see is the profit you keep.
Can it model inventory cash?+
Yes, the cash tied up in stock and when it returns is modelled, so runway reflects reality.
Build this on your own numbers
This is an illustrative example. Get early access and build your own model, plan, and investor pack, with numbers you can explain.
From idea to investor-ready · built for founders, not finance teams