How do I calculate the break-even point for an event?
Your break-even point is the exact sales total that covers every event cost, so you know the minimum goal before the doors even open.
The Narrative
The Empathy
You show up early, unload the booth, and everything looks great. Halfway through the day, though, the question creeps in: is today going to be worth it? When you add up the booth fee, the gas, the supplies you used to make the inventory, and the time you're spending away from other work, the number isn't obvious. That uncertainty makes it hard to feel confident about signing up for the next event.
The Education
Break-even simply means sales that cover every cost. Use this formula to set your target:
Break-even sales = Fixed event costs + Total product costs
Fixed event costs are fees that don't change with sales (booth fee, permits, travel, lodging). Product costs are the supplies or wholesale costs tied to each item you sell. Example: if your booth fee is $75, travel is $25, and you expect to sell $200 worth of goods that cost you $80 to make, your break-even sales are $75 + $25 + $80 = $180. Any sales above $180 are profit before you pay yourself.
The Solution
Build a simple checklist for every event: log fixed costs the moment you register, track product costs in your inventory list, and total sales at the end of the day. With those three numbers, break-even is quick to calculate and you can decide if the event is worth repeating or if you need to raise your sales target.
Stop Guessing. Start Growing.
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