How much contribution remains after acquisition and fulfillment?

A four-step working method

1. Use net collected revenue and consistent treatment of tax.
2. Include goods, shipping subsidy, payment fees and acquisition cost.
3. Record return assumptions separately; compare cohorts rather than unlike periods.
4. Distinguish contribution from profit: overhead and tax may still be outside the calculation.

Common errors to avoid

• Calling contribution profit when overhead, returns or tax are excluded.
• Treating an empty worksheet field as a confirmed zero or a verified fact. Mark missing information explicitly.
• Sharing a working brief as a professional conclusion. Keep assumptions and unanswered questions attached.