Buy 2 Get 1 Free Calculator
A gentler multi-buy mechanic than classic BOGO — customers pay for 2 units and receive a 3rd free, an effective 33.3% discount on merchandise value.
Contribution profit per order
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Customer pays
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Margin
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Effective discount
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vs. one regular-price sale
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Volume uplift needed
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How it works
Formulas used
Revenue = 2 × Unit price Units delivered = 3 Product cost = 3 × Unit cost Effective discount = 1 − (2P / 3P) = 33.33%
Worked example
$30 unit price, $8 unit cost, no fees:
- Revenue: 2 × $30 = $60 for 3 units
- Product cost: 3 × $8 = $24
- Contribution profit: $60 − $24 = $36 (margin 60.0%)
Buy 2 Get 1 Free is generally less profit-damaging per order than classic BOGO, since only one-third of units are given away rather than half.
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Frequently asked questions
How does this compare to a straight 33% discount?
They can have similar effective discount percentages, but Buy 2 Get 1 Free requires a 3-unit basket, which changes both unit economics and typical order value.