Margin Leaks: How To Spot Them Fast
Margin leaks are small “normal” choices that quietly reduce profit.
Who This Is For
- Costs creep up and nobody notices.
- Every job feels slightly harder than it should.
- You only review margin at year-end.
What To Do This Week
- Compare last month margin to the month before.
- Identify top 5 cost lines that increased.
- Plug one leak this week (price, supplier, process, wastage).
FAQ
Are margin leaks one big expense?
Usually not. It is often many small leaks that add up.
Common fast leak categories?
Wastage, overtime, under-quoted work, recurring subscriptions.
Do I need perfect categorisation?
No. You need consistent categories and a review habit.
How often should I check?
Weekly trend check, monthly deeper review.
What is the goal?
Catch leaks early, not explain them later.