Set prices for seedlings, soil, and garden jobs. Track margins, volume targets, and cash needs. Reach profit faster using simple inputs and reports today.
| Scenario | Startup fixed | Operating fixed | Variable | Price | Fee | Waste | Expected units | Break-even units (startup) | Ongoing break-even per period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potted herbs at a weekend market | $250 | $60 | $2.50 | $6.00 | 3% | 5% | 120 | ~86.49 | ~20.76 |
| Raised bed install service | $500 | $120 | $35.00 | $95.00 | 0% | 0% | 12 | ~8.33 | ~2.00 |
Start by naming one sellable unit, such as a herb bundle, seedling tray, compost bag, or one garden service visit. Choose a planning period that matches your operation, like week, month, or season. Consistent units keep costs comparable and make targets realistic when weather and demand fluctuate.
Startup fixed costs are one-time purchases that enable selling, including tools, benches, irrigation parts, signage, or a market stall deposit. Operating fixed costs repeat each period, such as water, electricity, transport, rent, software, and routine equipment maintenance. Recording both prevents hidden overhead from eroding margins.
Variable cost is the per-unit spend on inputs, including seed, soil, pots, labels, fertilizer, packaging, and labor tied to each unit. Garden sales often face spoilage, pests, and unsold inventory. Apply a waste rate to convert variable cost into an effective cost per sellable unit, improving accuracy.
Many channels charge processing fees, consignment rates, or platform commissions. Subtract fee percent from the selling price to get the net price. Contribution margin equals net price minus effective variable cost. A positive margin is required for break even; if it is negative, adjust price, costs, fees, or waste.
The calculator returns units needed to recover startup cost, units to break even in the first period, and ongoing units to cover operating costs. Compare these targets with expected sales volume to evaluate feasibility. Use the profit and margin-of-safety results to test scenarios before buying supplies.
For pricing, log conservative, expected, and stretch scenarios. Small changes compound: reducing waste from eight percent to four percent raises margin without raising price. Track periods to protect cash flow. If recovery exceeds your season length, try smaller batches, preorders, or higher-value bundles. When you sell services, set unit as one job and include travel time in variable cost to avoid underquoting during peak weeks.
Break even is the sales level where total revenue equals total costs. This tool shows units needed to cover startup costs, recurring operating costs, and per-unit costs after fees and waste.
Yes. If you pay yourself hourly or by job, include it in variable cost per unit. If your labor is a fixed salary each period, include it in operating fixed cost.
Fees reduce your net selling price. The calculator subtracts the fee percent from the selling price, then computes contribution margin. Higher fees increase break-even units.
Use past records when possible. Start with a conservative estimate for losses from pests, weather, and unsold items. Lowering waste often improves margin more than raising price.
If contribution margin is zero or negative, break even cannot be reached. Reduce variable cost, reduce fees or waste, increase selling price, or lower operating costs.
Use startup break even to estimate payback, and ongoing break even to confirm the project can sustain itself each period. Compare both to expected volume and your season length.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.