Avoid the Underpricing Trap
Many small businesses confuse a 30% markup with a 30% margin. When rent and staff costs are factored in, insufficient markup can lead to negative net cash flow.
Pricing & profitability
Price your products and services accurately. Calculate gross margin, wholesale markup, and net monthly profit after all business expenses.
Essential financial metrics for pricing products and services in Kenya.
| Income Band / Category | Rate / Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Profit | Price - Cost | Direct cash earned per unit sold |
| Markup Percentage | (Profit / Cost) × 100 | Percentage markup added over wholesale/supplier price |
| Gross Margin | (Profit / Price) × 100 | Portion of sales revenue retained before operating overheads |
| Net Margin | (Net Profit / Revenue) × 100 | Final bottom-line profit percentage after all bills and expenses |
Many small businesses confuse a 30% markup with a 30% margin. When rent and staff costs are factored in, insufficient markup can lead to negative net cash flow.
High-turnover goods can succeed on leaner margins, while bespoke or slow-moving inventory requires higher markups to cover holding costs.
Quick Answers
Markup is the percentage added on top of your cost price to determine selling price (Profit / Cost). Margin is the percentage of selling price that represents profit (Profit / Selling Price). For example, a 50% markup equals a 33.3% gross margin.
Depending on the sector, retail FMCG/groceries typically target 15% to 25% gross margins, apparel and electronics target 35% to 50%, while professional and digital services often exceed 60% to 70%.
Gross profit only accounts for the direct cost of inventory/materials (COGS). Net profit deducts all overheads such as shop rent, salaries, marketing, licenses, and transport.
Calculators are for planning and estimation only. Verify final tax, payroll, loan, investment or property figures with the relevant institution or adviser.