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The price on the page is not the final price
Many online shops show a low price first, then add costs as you go. Here is how to work out what you will really pay. It takes a few minutes, and it works for any purchase, from a phone charger to an air conditioner.
Step 1: Start with the price for one
Order pages often show a bundle first, such as "buy 3, get 2 free". Look for the price of a single item. "Each" prices are only for that bundle, so a low price per item can still mean you are spending much more than you planned.
Step 2: Add the checkout costs
Look for these lines:
- Delivery and handling. A low price can have high delivery charges.
- GST. In India, the price shown to you should usually include it. If it appears as a new line on the last screen, check whether you are paying it on top.
- Customs duty. This can apply to goods that ship from abroad, and it may be asked for at delivery.
- Platform or convenience fees. These small charges can appear late.
- Cash on delivery fee. Some sellers charge extra for this.
- Package protection. This is optional on most pages, but it can be ticked for you.
Step 3: Remove anything you did not choose
Some pages add a monthly membership, an extended warranty or an extra product. A small monthly fee adds up. For example, ₹299 a month is ₹3,588 a year, which can be more than the product you came to buy. Read each box before you confirm.
Step 4: Check the offer you are counting on
Sale prices often depend on a condition. So work out what you will really pay, not the best price on the banner.
- Bank offers. They may need one bank's card and a minimum spend.
- Cashback. It may arrive later, or as a coupon that expires.
- No Cost EMI. Check for a processing fee, and for a discount you give up.
- Exchange offers. The value can drop when your old item is checked at pickup.
Step 5: Add installation
Large home products often have extra costs on the day they arrive. Ask what is included for an AC, a geyser, a water purifier or a chimney. Pipes, stands, wall drilling and extra wiring can all be charged separately. Check this before you order, not when the technician is at your door.
Step 6: Add the running cost
The price of a gadget is not the end of it. Think about:
- Electricity for a heater or a charger
- Refills, filters, pads or replacement parts
- App or cloud storage subscriptions
- Batteries
For anything electric, the sum is simple: watts divided by 1,000, times the hours, times your price per unit. An 800 watt heater used for 8 hours at ₹8 per unit costs about ₹51 a day.
This table is an example, not a promise. It uses ₹8 per unit and a 30 day month, and the watts and hours are example figures as well. Your rate depends on your state and how much you use, so check your bill.
| Example | Use a day | Units a day | Cost a month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75 watt fan | 10 hours | 0.75 | ₹180 |
| 150 watt air cooler | 8 hours | 1.2 | ₹288 |
| 2,000 watt geyser | 30 minutes | 1 | ₹240 |
| 800 watt heater | 8 hours | 6.4 | ₹1,536 |
| AC, average draw of 1,000 watts | 8 hours | 8 | ₹1,920 |
Many electricity boards charge more per unit as your use rises, so a heavy month can cost more than this sum shows.
Step 7: Think about the cost of a return
If you may send it back, add the risk. If a return costs you ₹200 for shipping and you lose the original delivery charge too, then a "risk-free" trial is not free. Our return policy guide has the questions to ask.
A simple example
Here is a made-up example to show the method.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Product, GST included | ₹2,000 |
| Delivery | ₹150 |
| Cash on delivery fee | ₹50 |
| Platform fee | ₹10 |
| Package protection | ₹99 |
| Real total | ₹2,309 |
That is about 15% more than the price that caught your eye. Add a ₹299 monthly membership and the first year costs ₹5,897.
Cheap to buy can be costly to own
Here is a second made-up example, this time over three years. It compares two versions of the same kind of product.
| Option A | Option B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price today | ₹3,000 | ₹4,500 |
| Parts and refills, per year | ₹1,000 | ₹300 |
| Total over 3 years | ₹6,000 | ₹5,400 |
Option A looks cheaper on the day, but it costs more in the end. Do this sum with your own numbers for anything that needs filters, refills or a subscription.
Before you click pay
Look at the last screen, and read the total line. Ask yourself if you would still buy it at that price. If you would, go ahead. If not, you have saved your money.
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Common questions
Is package protection required?
On most order pages it is optional. Check if it has been ticked for you, and remove it if you do not want it.
How do I work out the running cost of an electric product?
Divide the watts by 1,000, multiply by the hours you use it, then multiply by your price per kilowatt-hour.
Is No Cost EMI really free?
Not always. There may be a processing fee, and you may lose a discount that a one-time payment would get. Compare the total you pay under EMI with the total for paying in full.
Is GST included in the price I see?
On Indian listings, the price is usually meant to include GST. Still, look at the final screen. Some sites, mostly those selling from abroad, add tax or duty late.