Know what your packaging really costs
The unit price on a quote is where packaging cost starts, not where it ends. Setup charges for plates and dies, freight to your warehouse, duties and small fees can add a large share on top, especially on smaller runs. This planner turns quotes into landed cost per unit, then into cost per order and a 12-month budget.
What's in the workbook
Components
Up to 20 packaging items with order quantity, unit price, one-time setup, freight, duties and other fees. The sheet calculates landed total, landed cost per unit and the "hidden cost" percentage.
Cost per Order
Build up to six packaging recipes (standard, gift, subscription and so on). Enter how many of each component go in each order, including fractions for shared items like tape, and your average order value. The sheet shows packaging cost per order and as a percentage of order value.
Annual Budget
Expected orders by month for each recipe, monthly and annual packaging spend, a buffer for waste and reprints, and a monthly spend chart.
Price Breaks
Compare five order quantities on cash out today, landed unit cost, months of stock, storage cost and cost of cash, to find the lowest effective unit cost.
The guide
A 15-page illustrated PDF explains landed cost, cost per order, seasonal budgeting, price breaks, reorder points and ten proven ways to lower packaging cost, with a quarterly review checklist.
Format
XLSX workbook (Excel, Google Sheets, Numbers) with live formulas, plus the PDF guide. Example values are illustrative; replace them with your own quotes.
License
Use the files for your own business and for client projects. Please do not resell, share or redistribute the files, or include them in other template products.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Excel?
No. The workbook works in Excel, Google Sheets and Apple Numbers.
Can I use it for non-packaging items?
Yes. The landed-cost and price-break sheets work for any purchased item with setup and freight costs.
