How to Calculate Blinds and Curtain Prices: A Complete Guide for Retailers

Accurate pricing is the foundation of a profitable blinds and curtains business. Whether you're just starting out or refining your approach, this guide covers everything from basic formulas to advanced markup strategies.

The Basic Pricing Formula

At its core, made-to-measure pricing follows a simple formula:

Example: A roller blind measuring 1.2m wide × 1.8m drop:

• 1.2 × 1.8 = 2.16 square metres
• At £45/sqm fabric cost: 2.16 × £45 = £97.20 base price

But this is just the starting point. Real-world pricing requires accounting for many additional factors.

Component Pricing Breakdown

A complete quote includes multiple cost components beyond fabric:

Markup Strategies for Retailers

Your markup determines your profitability. Industry standards vary, but here are typical approaches:

Standard Markup Method

Apply a multiplier to your total costs:

• 2x markup (100% margin) - Budget/competitive positioning
• 2.5x markup (150% margin) - Mid-market positioning
• 3x markup (200% margin) - Premium/service-focused

Tiered Pricing by Product

Different products warrant different markups:

• Basic rollers: 2x (high competition)
• Venetians: 2.3x
• Shutters: 2.5x (specialist product)
• Motorised: 2.8x (technical expertise)

Minimum Order Values

Always set minimum charges to protect profitability on small orders. A small bathroom blind might only calculate to £45, but your time and travel costs the same as a £200 job.

Recommended minimums:

• Supply only: £75-100 minimum
• Supply and fit: £120-150 minimum

Common Pricing Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced retailers make these errors:

1. Not Accounting for Waste

Fabric must be cut from standard roll widths. A 95cm blind still uses 100cm of fabric. Build in 5-10% waste factor.

2. Forgetting Motorisation Upcharges

Motor costs plus programming time, batteries (for rechargeable), and potentially smart home integration. Many retailers undercharge by £30-50 per motorised blind.

3. Inconsistent Pricing Across Staff

Without a centralised system, different salespeople quote different prices for identical products. This damages trust and makes performance tracking impossible.

4. Using Outdated Price Lists

Supplier costs change. If you're still using last year's price list, you might be losing 5-10% margin on every quote.

Manual Calculation vs Software: The Real Comparison

Let's be honest about the time difference:

At 10 quotes per day, that's the difference between 3+ hours of admin and 5 minutes. What would you do with those extra hours?

Conclusion: Price Right, Profit More

Accurate pricing isn't just about avoiding losses—it's about building a sustainable, profitable business. Key takeaways:

• Use the square metre formula as your foundation
• Account for ALL components, not just fabric
• Set appropriate markups for your market position
• Enforce minimum order values
• Keep price lists current
• Consider software to eliminate errors and save time

Related reading:

• 5 Signs Your Business Has Outgrown Manual Quoting
• Switching from Spreadsheets to Quoting Software
• InterioApp Quoting System Features