GLOSSARY

Contribution margin.

Contribution is the revenue remaining after costs that vary with an order.

Why it matters

Include the relevant product, fulfilment, payment and return costs. This is the amount available for acquisition and fixed overheads, so it is central to evaluating promotions.

Contribution = revenue − variable costs

Put it in context

Use this concept alongside the relevant customer journey, business costs and measurement assumptions. A single metric rarely tells the whole story.

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