Comparison of offers
Compare total price, costs and delivery
Two offers bearing the same title may differ by reference, seller, condition, accessories and services. A useful comparison puts all these variables on the same basis.
Quick response
Essential in a minute
First compare exactly the same product, then add up price, delivery and necessary options. Note the delay, the cost of a possible return, the warranty and the seller's identity. The offer at the lowest price is advantageous only if it meets the same need and does not move costs after the basket.
1. Create an identical comparison base
Take up the complete reference, capacity, color, dimensions, condition and accessories included. On a marketplace, note the seller. A common name can hide several generations or configurations. Without this step, the table compares different products.
- Identical manufacturer reference.
- New, occasioned or reconditioned condition comparable.
- Accessories, quantity and duration of access identical.
2. Calculate the cost
Add the price of the product, the shipping costs, the taxes announced and the options actually required. For a piece of furniture or apparatus, add the delivery in the piece, installation or recovery if necessary. For a subscription, compare the cost over the expected duration and not just the first month.
- Price includes all taxes recorded.
- Integrated delivery costs and free threshold.
- Essential services and additional renewals.
3. Give value to time and availability
An estimated date does not have the same scope as a confirmed stock. If the purchase meets a deadline, a more predictable delivery can justify a price difference. Also check who ships: the seller, the platform or a partner located in another country.
- Stock and delay are displayed before payment.
- The country of dispatch is included.
- The delivery method is suitable for the address and deadline.
4. Integrate cost after purchase
Return costs, refund procedure, parts availability and after-sales service change the cost in case of problems. For a technical product, the duration of updates, repairability and consumables can count more than a small initial discount.
- Address and return charges identified.
- Guarantee and contact person identified.
- Required consumption, parts or subscription assessed.
Compare
The mini-table to fill in before choosing
| Criteria | Offer A | Offer B |
|---|---|---|
| Reference and status | What to record | What to record |
| Price delivered | Product + fee | Product + fee |
| Estimated date | Date or time limit | Date or time limit |
| Return | Time frame + cost | Time frame + cost |
| Seller / VAS | Name + country | Name + country |
Fictional example · No merchant prices
The delivery threshold offered may increase the expenditure
Fictitious example: your useful basket costs 42 € with 6 € of delivery, either 48 €. Delivery is offered free of charge from 60 €. Add an item of 18 € carries the basket to 60 € : you spend 12 € more than the 48 The addition may have an interest if you already needed this item, but it does not constitute a basket saving alone. Also check if the threshold covers the entire basket or a given seller.
- Calculate the useful basket before aiming at a threshold.
- Separate the actual need for promotional addition.
- Read the threshold perimeter and final basket fees.
Before you continue
Final checklist : Compare the total cost
Check the points you actually checked. Checks stay in this page during the visit; they are not sent to the server. A checked point does not constitute a validation of the merchant.
Guide: Compare the total cost · Révision éditoriale : 9 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful answers
What price should be compared as a priority?
The total price delivered for identical reference, condition and services. The percentage of discount is only secondary information.
Is free shipping always cheaper?
No. It can be integrated with the price of the product or packaged with a higher basket. Compare the final amount without adding unnecessary items.
How to compare a subscription with a promotion?
Calculate the cumulative cost over the period during which you plan to use it, including the rate after promotion and the one-time charges.
To check
Reference sources and documentation
The editorial update date does not guarantee a new verification of each source. See the references for an individual situation or regulatory evolution.
- DGCCRF — Safe Internet procurementComparison of net prices, delivery included, and shopping basket verification.
Putting into practice
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