Follow the whole price
Imagine Offer A is a $79 item with 20% off and $7.95 shipping. Offer B is a $70 item with no discount and free shipping. If tax is 8% on the discounted item price, here is the comparison:
| Cost | Offer A | Offer B |
|---|---|---|
| After discount | $63.20 | $70.00 |
| Tax | $5.06 | $5.60 |
| Shipping | $7.95 | $0.00 |
| Checkout total | $76.21 | $75.60 |
Offer B costs $0.61 less despite having no advertised discount. The shipping charge changes the outcome.
Check the details that a headline leaves out
- Make sure the coupon applies to the product and that you meet any minimum purchase requirement.
- Check whether shipping is charged per order or per item, and whether returns or delivery dates differ.
- Tax rules vary by location and merchant. This example taxes discounted items and leaves shipping untaxed.
Simple check: Compare final totals for the same product and quantity, then consider delivery and return terms.
Use the offer comparison calculator for the prices, discounts, shipping charges, and tax rate in your own situation.