Many new sellers price “a little below the competition” — and a few months later realise there is no real profit. The right price covers all costs, leaves a profit and is still attractive to buyers.
1. Count every cost
- Cost price — what you pay to buy or make the product, plus shipping and customs to get it to you.
- Packaging — boxes, bags, tape.
- Delivery to the buyer — if you pay for it or offer free delivery.
- Marketplace commission — stated in the seller terms.
- Payment fees, if any.
- Risk of returns and damage — a few percent, especially for clothing and fragile goods.
- Your time — photos, descriptions, packing, talking to buyers.
2. A simple formula
Price = (cost + packaging + delivery + other costs) ÷ (1 − commission share − desired profit share)
Example: total costs for an item are 1,000 som, commission is 10% and your desired profit is 20%. Price = 1,000 ÷ (1 − 0.10 − 0.20) ≈ 1,430 som. The figures are only an example — use your real costs and commission.
3. Look at competitors, but don’t copy blindly
Check prices for similar products on the marketplace and at the bazaar. But price isn’t everything: quality photos, an accurate description, fast replies, good reviews and reliable delivery let you charge a little more.
4. Psychological pricing
1,490 som feels “cheaper” than 1,500. But you don’t need to end every price in 9 — for premium products, a round price looks more solid.
5. Use discounts wisely
- Tie a discount to a goal: clearing stock, attracting new buyers, the season.
- Don’t raise the price first to then offer a “discount” — buyers notice.
- A bundle discount is a good way to sell several items together; Soodahub has this tool.
6. Review prices regularly
Costs, exchange rates and delivery prices change. Check the prices of your main products once a month. In season (for example, before New Year) demand rises — more in getting ready for the New Year season.
Still deciding what to sell? See what to sell online in Kyrgyzstan.