Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this for?
This site is for side-hustlers, creators, and micro-entrepreneurs who are tired of messy spreadsheets. If you are selling on Etsy, Shopify, eBay, or Amazon, this is your "pre-flight" checklist.
Why use this tool?
In 2026, platforms are increasing fees silently. I built this to provide an honest reality check. It turns "boring math" into a visual success target. Don't buy inventory until you've run the numbers here.
What are the latest platform fee changes in 2026?
In early 2026, significant fee updates include Amazon's FBA fee increases across multiple tiers, with basic fulfillment fees rising on average by $0.08 per unit. Etsy maintains its transaction percentage at 6.5%, while eBay's final value fee remains a competitive 13.6%.
Is this tool free?
Yes. I maintain this as a solo project. I earn a small commission if you buy supplies through my Amazon links (at no extra cost to you). This helps me keep the automated update script running.
Why is my Etsy profit lower here than on other calculators?
Most calculators miss the hidden 'Processing Fee' of 3% + $0.25 and the mandatory listing fee. Breakeven.ovh includes every cent to give you a worst-case reality check. If you aren't profitable here, you aren't profitable in real life.
How many sales to make $1000 a month on Shopify?
Use the calculator to find your 'Profit/Unit'. Divide $1000 + $39 (Shopify subscription) by your Profit/Unit. This tool helps you visualize exactly how many units you need to move to reach your income goals.
Is Shopify Basic ($39/mo) worth it for low volume?
Generally, if you sell fewer than 15-20 items a month, the $39 fee might eat too much of your margin. If your 'Units to Break Even' on Shopify is higher than your expected sales, consider starting on Etsy or eBay.
What is the Amazon FBA 'Low-Price' threshold?
In 2026, Amazon maintains a lower referral fee for items under $10. This calculator uses a standard 15% average referral fee, but your specific category (like Apparel or Jewelry) may vary slightly.
Why am I losing money on Etsy despite high sales?
Common culprits are 'Offsite Ads' (which take an extra 12-15%) and ignored shipping material costs. This tool helps you identify if your Landed Cost (COGS) is too high relative to your Sale Price.
How accurate are these breakeven calculations?
These calculations are estimates, not guarantees. I use official {currentYear} fee data from each platform, but fees vary by region, product category, and seller tier. Actual results depend on factors I can't predict: returns, customer disputes, refunds, and variable platform policies. Use this tool to understand your baseline costs, not as a guarantee of profitability.
Why should I trust a calculator made by one person?
Fair question. I'm not a corporation or 'fintech company'—I'm a solo developer who uses AI assistance to maintain this tool. There's no hidden agenda: I don't sell courses, templates, or premium upgrades. I only earn through Amazon affiliate links. The code is open-source on GitHub if you want to verify the math. The calculator exists because I needed it first.
What costs are NOT included in this calculator?
This calculator focuses on per-unit breakeven. It does NOT include: customer acquisition cost (ad spend beyond the monthly budget), payment processor fees beyond platform charges, returns/refund processing, your time (though the Hourly Wage feature helps with this), inventory holding costs, or seasonal variation. Use this as your starting point, then layer in these variables based on your experience.
How often do platform fees change?
I update this calculator every Monday with the latest official fee data. However, platforms change fees unexpectedly. In {currentYear}, Amazon FBA alone changed fees three times. Always verify current fees directly on the official platform pages before buying inventory. This tool is a snapshot, not a live feed.
Data & Methodology
Platform fees are verified every Monday using an automated AI script that scans official platform help pages and official news releases.
Current Sources: