Free tool

Showroom ROI Calculator

Commission, retainer and trade show fees add up fast. Model what a wholesale showroom or rep actually costs you against what you could sell going direct — before you sign anything.

Your numbers

Expected annual wholesale revenue

Commission rate

Usually 12%–20%

Annual retainer

0 if commission-only

Trade show / market costs per year

Booths, travel, samples they bill you for

What you think you could sell direct, no rep

Your honest guess — this is the number the showroom has to beat

What it costs you

The showroom clears the bar here — by $27,500.

After $32,500 in commission, retainer and trade show costs, you'd net $117,500 — more than the $90,000 you figured you could do alone. That's an effective all-in rate of 21.7% on this revenue.

Commission cost

$22,500

Fixed costs (retainer + trade show)

$10,000

Total annual cost

$32,500

Effective all-in rate

21.7%

Net revenue with showroom

$117,500

Net revenue going direct

$90,000

This is the dollar math only. A good showroom also brings retailer relationships, market presence and credibility you may not be able to build alone — that value is real but isn't a number this calculator can put on your side of the ledger. Weigh both.

Already selling wholesale? Get listed in the Wholesale Brand Directory →