Postmake.io/revenue offers a simple calculator to help businesses quickly estimate their annual recurring revenue (ARR). Users input their number of customers, average revenue per customer (ARPU), and customer churn rate to calculate current ARR, ARR growth potential, and potential revenue loss due to churn. The tool aims to provide a straightforward way to understand these key metrics and their impact on overall revenue, facilitating better financial planning.
The Hacker News post titled "Show HN: Calculate Your Revenue" introduces a straightforward, web-based calculator designed to assist individuals, particularly those involved in online businesses or subscription services, in quickly determining their potential revenue. This uncomplicated tool presents a minimalist user interface featuring only the essential input fields required for the calculation: the number of customers, the price per customer, and the desired time period for projection (selectable as monthly or annual).
Upon entering these three values, the calculator instantaneously displays the calculated revenue, eliminating the need for manual computations or the use of more complex spreadsheet software. This streamlined approach focuses on providing a rapid and readily accessible means of revenue estimation, ideal for quick assessments or on-the-fly calculations. The tool is presented as a publicly available web application, accessible directly through a provided URL, allowing any user with an internet connection to utilize its functionality without needing to download or install any software. Its purpose is clearly defined as a simple, convenient, and freely available utility for basic revenue forecasting.
Summary of Comments ( 0 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42916934
Hacker News users generally reacted positively to Postmake's revenue calculator. Several commenters praised its simplicity and ease of use, finding it a helpful tool for quick calculations. Some suggested potential improvements, like adding more sophisticated features for calculating recurring revenue or including churn rate. One commenter pointed out the importance of considering customer lifetime value (CLTV) alongside revenue. A few expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of relying on a third-party tool for such calculations, suggesting spreadsheets or custom-built solutions as alternatives. Overall, the comments reflected an appreciation for a simple, accessible tool while also highlighting the need for more robust solutions for complex revenue modeling.
The Hacker News post "Show HN: Calculate Your Revenue" linking to postmake.io/revenue generated several comments, largely focusing on the simplicity of the tool and its potential usefulness, while also pointing out some limitations and suggesting improvements.
Several commenters appreciated the clean and straightforward design of the calculator. One user praised its minimalist approach, finding it refreshing compared to more complex tools. Another echoed this sentiment, highlighting the ease with which they could quickly calculate revenue based on different pricing scenarios. The intuitive nature of the tool was a common theme, with users expressing satisfaction in its ability to provide quick answers without requiring extensive input or navigation.
However, some commenters pointed out areas where the calculator could be improved. One suggestion involved adding the ability to factor in churn rate, a crucial metric for subscription-based businesses. This addition would provide a more realistic revenue projection by accounting for customer loss over time. Another commenter suggested incorporating a feature to calculate lifetime value (LTV), further enhancing the tool's ability to provide valuable business insights.
The limitations of a simple model were also acknowledged. One user pointed out that while helpful for basic calculations, the tool doesn't account for the complexities of real-world businesses, such as varying conversion rates or fluctuating customer acquisition costs. These factors, they argued, significantly impact revenue and should ideally be considered for a more comprehensive analysis.
There was also a brief discussion regarding the platform on which the calculator was built. One commenter inquired about the choice of technology, expressing interest in the development process. The creator responded, clarifying the use of Next.js and Vercel, and briefly explained their reasoning for choosing these technologies.
A few commenters also offered alternative tools or methods for revenue calculation. One mentioned using spreadsheets for more complex scenarios, while another suggested exploring dedicated SaaS metrics platforms for a more in-depth analysis. These suggestions offered a broader perspective on revenue calculation, highlighting the diverse range of available tools.
Finally, a minor point of discussion revolved around the calculator's presentation. One commenter suggested a small visual improvement, specifically recommending a different font choice. While a relatively minor detail, it exemplifies the level of scrutiny the tool received from the Hacker News community.