279. Why Most CPG Brands Are Flying Blind on Costs

279. Most CPG brands don't actually know what their products truly cost—and that blind spot quietly destroys margins and runway. In Day 7 of 30 Days to Profitable CPG Growth, I break down why estimating costs is dangerous, where hidden expenses show up from production to shelf, and how inaccurate costing leads to wasted trade spend. You'll learn why precision down to the penny gives you control, confidence, and leverage with retailers and investors—and how knowing your true costs unlocks profitable scale. Understanding the true cost of products is crucial for brand success, enabling accurate pricing, forecasting, and strategic planning. Many brands, however, lack this knowledge, relying on estimates and assumptions, which hinders profitability and scalability. By building a comprehensive cost model, brands can gain control over their finances, optimize margins, and make informed decisions for growth. Action step: calculate fully loaded COGS per SKU including freight and fees. Do you know your true margin by item today? For additional inspiration listen to the following Bulletproof Your CPG Brand podcast episodes: 🎙️ 82 Know Your Brand Health for Long-Term Success 🎙️ 271 WHY TRADE SPEND FAILS (AND HOW TO FIX IT) 🎙️ 149 Sustainable Brand Growth Strategies for Success, Katie Mleziva with Real Food Brands Day 7 of the Free 30 Days to Profitable CPG Growth Tip of the day: Accuracy Matters. Knowing The True Cost Of Your products You can get the episodes free guide and todays show notes at: RetailSolved.com/session279