Funding goal calculator

Quick start (5 minutes)

1. Enter your current tier prices and realistic expected mix of buyers.
2. Add fixed costs first (art, editing, layout, prepress, proofs).
3. Add per-unit costs next (printing, packing materials, fulfillment prep).
4. Set a margin buffer, then compare at least two print strategies.
5. Use the selected scenario as your proposed funding goal.

What it is for

The calculator gives you a practical goal that should cover your project costs while preserving a safety margin for uncertainty. Instead of guessing a campaign number, you can model outcomes from your current assumptions.

Inputs the calculator uses

• Unit price: the average pledge revenue per backer or unit sold.
• Per-unit cost: print, packaging, and fulfillment cost per unit.
• Fixed costs: art, writing, editing, layout, prepress, and other non-unit costs.
• Platform/processing fees: deductions from gross pledges.
• Target margin: optional cushion for overruns and volatility.
• Print strategy: exact run, safe margin, next breakpoint, or double strategy.

How to use it well

1. Start with conservative assumptions for unit sales and shipping-sensitive costs.
2. Model multiple scenarios (optimistic/base/downside) before locking your target.
3. Check margin impact after each major cost update.
4. Use the print strategy that matches your risk tolerance and supplier terms.

Worked example

If your fixed costs are $6,000, per-unit cost is $14, expected effective unit revenue is $32, and you expect around 450 units, the calculator can show whether your current goal covers both fixed cost recovery and variable cost runway with buffer. If not, you can adjust either tier pricing, print strategy, or margin target and immediately compare outcomes.

How to interpret results

• Too tight: margin near zero under base scenario means high execution risk.
• Too optimistic: relies on top-end volume assumptions to remain viable.
• Healthy: downside scenario still keeps your project operational.

Common pitfalls

• Forgetting payment/processing fees when estimating usable funds.
• Using prototype-era print quotes instead of current supplier pricing.
• Ignoring per-unit packing/handling overhead.
• Setting goal from optimistic sales instead of base case.

Saving and reusing calculator state

When you save your application draft, Jomo stores your calculator state inside the application's cost breakdown payload. This lets you return later and continue from the same assumptions.

Recommended workflow

• Build your reward tiers first.
• Run calculator scenarios with current supplier estimates.
• Copy your chosen scenario into your proposed funding goal.
• Submit application with notes describing key assumptions.