Return Loss Calculator
Estimate the total loss of a returned order with recoverable inventory value.
Enter your numbers
How to use this calculator
- Enter revenue retained before the refund and the actual refunded amount.
- Add the order costs, return postage and any fees that are not recovered.
- Estimate the returned stock recovery value realistically, then read the net impact.
Calculation method
Net return impact = original revenue − refund − product cost − outbound shipping − return shipping − non-recovered fees + recovered inventory value.
Worked example
For 60 revenue, 60 refunded, 25 product cost, 6 outbound shipping, 7 return shipping, 3 fees and 20 recovered value, net impact is −21: a loss of 21.
What to check before using the result
Recovered inventory value is an estimate of the stock value recovered, not necessarily cash received. Avoid counting the same refund or fee twice. A positive result is a net gain in this model; a negative result is a loss.
Frequently asked questions
What is recovered inventory value?
The value you expect to recover from returned stock after damage or markdowns, entered consistently with your cost assumptions.
Should refunded platform fees be counted?
Enter only the fees you ultimately bear after reimbursements. Counting reimbursed fees as a cost overstates the loss.