Compare the same total
Begin with the exact item and quantity. Then add shipping and any applicable taxes, import charges or currency-conversion costs. Some charges may already be included in a checkout total; count each one only once.
A displayed dollar symbol is not enough to establish the currency. Keep the source currency in your notes and use a consistent conversion when comparing purchases. Confirm your final payment total before committing.
Practice example — made-up prices
Listing A is $24 plus $8 shipping: $32 delivered. Listing B is $29 plus $2 shipping: $31 delivered. Assuming the same item, currency and all other costs, B costs $1 less even though its item price is higher.
That arithmetic does not settle whether either listing is suitable. Identity, quantity, seller terms and the information supplied still matter.
Budget for the whole decision
- A single cardInclude the item, shipping and applicable checkout costs.
- Several purchasesAdd the whole basket or order total. Do not assume shipping combines until the seller or checkout confirms it.
- A sealed productCompare the exact product and edition. If calculating cost per pack, state whether you are dividing the whole purchase price or a separately justified amount.
- A grading submissionInclude the service charge, shipping both ways and applicable insurance, preparation or other charges. Keep unknown charges visible.
Selling uses a different calculation
Net proceeds are the amount remaining after a sale's costs. Profit or loss also depends on your acquisition cost. Fees, shipping and packaging can make these three numbers very different.
Practice example — made-up prices: an item sells for $50, with $10 of total selling costs. Net proceeds are $40. If the item originally cost $35 in total, the example profit is $5. These are fictional amounts, not a platform fee schedule or expected return.
Write your ceiling before shopping
Target item and quantity: Budget in my currency: Item price: Shipping: Other applicable charges: Total payable: Unknown costs to confirm:
If the total exceeds your ceiling, you can wait, choose a different target or pass. A lower item price does not justify ignoring the final total.
Common mistake
Comparing one result with shipping included against another without it, or describing a sale price as profit. Keep the calculation and its assumptions visible.