Definition

The direct costs attributable to the production of goods sold by a company, including materials and labor.

What to consider

  • Use it to decide if a major purchase or investment is really worth it.
  • Compare the upfront cost to the potential long-term benefits.
  • Keep it simple—just weigh the pros and cons.

Real world scenarios

  • Running her bakery, Lisa tracked the cost of goods sold (COGS) to ensure that her pricing strategy covered the expenses of ingredients and labor.

Related terms

Entrepreneurial Finances