Scout v0.2: Real Landed Cost Calculation Built Into the Filtering Workflow

Today we launch Margin Engine in Scout, a feature that automatically calculates real landed cost right inside the filtering workflow.

This is the feature we have received the most requests for since opening the beta.

The problem it solves

We have written about this before: most shop owners miscalculate margin because they only use (selling price - purchase price) / selling price, ignoring logistics, platform fees, returns, and the actual exchange rate.

The result is sourcing decisions based on numbers that do not reflect reality. A product that looks like 60% margin on paper might only be 35-40% when you account for everything.

Margin Engine solves this by running the calculations automatically in the background while you filter.

How it works

1. Configure once

Before starting a batch, you set up your operating profile:

• Current CNY/VND exchange rate (updated manually when the rate changes)
• Estimated international logistics cost (VND/kg)
• Sales platforms and allocation ratios (e.g., 60% Shopee + 40% TikTok Shop)
• Your average return rate
• Average packaging cost

This profile is saved and reused across future batches. No re-entry each time.

2. Enter your expected selling price

While reviewing a product in a batch, enter the selling price you expect to set. Scout calculates all costs and displays:

• Landed cost (actual cost of goods delivered to your warehouse)
• Gross margin
• Net margin (after platform fees, payment processing, returns, packaging)
• Breakeven selling price: the minimum price to avoid a loss
• Verdict: PASS / WATCH / REJECT based on the margin threshold you set

3. Filter by margin, not gut feeling

Instead of reviewing only photos and product descriptions, you can now filter a batch by actual net margin. Products below your minimum margin threshold can be bulk-rejected. No need to review each one individually.

What is not in v0.2

Margin Engine currently uses estimated return rates and logistics costs, not actual data from your orders. That means the numbers are more accurate than manual calculations but not yet perfect.

In future versions, once Ordinex Orders launches, we will connect real order data so margin calculations become increasingly precise over time.

How to try it

If you are a current beta user, the feature is already in your account. Open Scout and check the "Margin Settings" section in your batch settings.

If you do not have access yet and want to try it, request access here or contact thinh@ordinex.io.