WORKED EXAMPLE · FICTIONAL SUPPLIERS
The lower unit price can mean a bigger order.
Suppose a service company needs 240 matching air filters within 14 days. The buyer has confirmed the dimensions, MERV rating, and other specifications match. These fictional prices demonstrate the calculation; they are not vendor quotes or a customer success story.
| Supplier | Pack offer | Units ordered | Goods | Order cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas Supply | 24 for $48.00 | 240 | $480.00 | $480.00 + unknown freight |
| Beacon Wholesale | 12 for $27.00 | 240 | $540.00 | $564.00 |
| Cedar Direct | 48 for $84.00 | 384 | $672.00 | $672.00 |
Ask Atlas for its freight total.
Atlas costs $480 before freight. Beacon is $564 delivered. Atlas is cheaper only if its remaining freight is below $84; at $84 the totals tie. Cedar’s $1.75 unit price requires eight packs, or 384 filters, for $672.
What you get
A normalized order cost and a precise next question: “What is the confirmed shipping total for 10 packs, or 240 units?” The result remains unresolved until the missing charge is confirmed.
BeforePO compares cash outlay for this order. It does not price the future value of spare inventory or make HVAC compatibility and safety judgments. Confirm all taxes and fees; the example assumes other charges are already included.
Built for repeat purchasing
Use the same checks for replacement parts, maintenance supplies, or wholesale restocking whenever packs, minimum orders, and freight differ. Developers can call the comparison API after converting quotes to the documented format.