Unit Economics Skills

Unit economics determine whether your cross-border business is sustainable. Every decision should flow from the numbers.

Core Formula

Net profit per unit = Sale price - Product cost - Platform fee - Payment fee - Shipping - Refund reserve - Time cost

Cost Breakdown by Product Type

Digital Goods

• Production cost: $0-2 (AI tool amortization)
• Platform fee: 6.5-15%
• Payment fee: 2.9% + $0.30
• Refund reserve: 2-5%
• Time cost: 15-30 min per SKU

Physical Goods (Low Cost, <$20)

• Product cost: $1-5
• Shipping: $3-8 (standard international)
• Platform fee: 6.5-15%
• Payment fee: 2.9% + $0.30
• Refund reserve: 5-10%
• Time cost: 30-60 min per order

Physical Goods (High Cost, >$30)

• Product cost: $10-20