eCommerce Import Profitability Calculator
Use our ecommerce import profitability calculator to calculate profitability for eCommerce businesses importing from China. Works for Shopify, WooCommerce, eBay, Etsy, and multi-channel sellers.
Inputs Last Reviewed
April 2026
Reference Basis
Based on current Amazon FBA fee schedules, published referral rates, and benchmark import cost assumptions.
Planning Note
Amazon fees change periodically. Verify current FBA rates in Seller Central before finalizing your cost model.
Primary opportunity
ecommerce import profitability calculator
Low SERP difficulty
Omnichannel Import Strategies
A mature importing business does not rely on a single sales channel. Calculating your profitability across Amazon FBA, Shopify DTC, and wholesale B2B channels ensures that an unexpected tariff increase or a spike in Facebook Ad costs won't bankrupt the entire operation.
Tips for China Importers
- Calculate your total Amazon cost before importing. FBA referral fee + fulfillment fee + storage + PPC + returns typically absorbs 45–55% of your selling price. Build this into your landed cost model before placing an order.
- Start with 300–500 units for launch. Launching with 2,000+ units before validating demand is one of the most common (and expensive) mistakes. Test velocity with a smaller shipment first.
- Send FBA-ready cartons from China. Prep work (poly-bagging, labeling, bundling) done in China costs $0.05–0.20/unit. Done at an Amazon prep center in the US: $0.50–1.50/unit. Same work, 5–10× the cost.
- Account for returns in your margin model. Amazon electronics return rates: 10–20%. Apparel: 20–30%. Toys/general: 5–10%. Factor your category's return rate into your per-unit profit calculation.
- Track your IPI score to avoid storage surcharges. Amazon charges long-term storage fees on inventory over 365 days. Keep your Inventory Performance Index (IPI) above 400 to avoid storage limits and surcharges.