P&L
Free Template · Spreadsheet

DTC P&L
TEMPLATE

A P&L built specifically for DTC brands. Not a generic accounting template — a DTC-specific model that separates contribution margin from operating expenses the way a DTC business actually works.

Format
Google Sheets / Excel
Line Items
45+ Categories
Period
Monthly + Annual
Price
Free

WHY STANDARD P&L TEMPLATES DON'T WORK FOR DTC

Generic P&L templates were designed for retail or service businesses. They do not separate DTC-specific cost categories — fulfilment costs, return processing, platform fees, paid acquisition spend — in a way that reveals the actual unit economics of a DTC brand.

The Viable DTC P&L template structures costs the way DTC businesses actually generate and spend money. Contribution margin is calculated after all variable costs, including fulfilment and returns. Marketing spend is separated from brand spend. The model shows you where the profit is and where it is leaking — in the structure that DTC operators and investors actually use.

Revenue
% of Revenue
Gross Revenue
100%
Returns & Refunds
(2–8%)
Discounts
(3–10%)
Net Revenue
~85–95%
Cost of Goods Sold
Product COGS
(25–45%)
Inbound Shipping
(2–5%)
Import Duties
(1–4%)
Gross Profit
~50–70%
Variable Operating Costs
Fulfilment (Pick, Pack, Ship)
(8–15%)
Payment Processing
(2–3%)
Platform Fees (Shopify etc.)
(0.5–1%)
Contribution Margin
~35–55%
Marketing & Acquisition
Paid Media (Meta, Google, TikTok)
(15–30%)
Creative & Content Production
(2–5%)
Influencer & PR
(1–4%)
Email & SMS Platform
(0.5–1%)
Fixed Operating Expenses
Salaries & Contractors
Variable
Technology & SaaS
Variable
Legal, Finance, Admin
Variable
EBITDA
Calculated

The template includes monthly tabs for 12 months and an annual summary. Each row has a benchmark range based on category norms. When your number falls outside the benchmark, the cell highlights automatically so you know where to look first.

Free Template

DOWNLOAD THE
DTC P&L TEMPLATE.

45+ line items, monthly and annual views, automatic benchmark highlighting. The P&L structure DTC operators and investors actually use. Enter your email and the download starts.