Read the delivered total first
| Option | Headline | Delivered | Lost if returned | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamp A, retailer | $35 | $43 | $14 (delivery + $6 return shipping) | 24 months |
| Lamp B, marketplace | $42 | $42 | $6.30 (15% restocking) | 12 months |
| Lamp C, needs a bulb | $29 | $43 | $14 (delivery + $9 bulb) | 12 months |
Unknown is not the same as zero
If checkout hasn’t shown you tax or delivery yet, the total is unknown. An unknown can’t be the cheapest option. We made the “fits” field work the same way: an option whose base width is missing from the listing isn’t ready to buy, however cheap. The verdict names what to confirm first. The fields people leave at 0 by accident are return shipping and the restocking fee, because listings don’t show them.
Things the page does not count
Time. Messaging a seller about a width costs an evening, and the calculator gives it no price. It also can’t tell that you simply want the nicer lamp, which is a fine reason to pay $1 more. What it can do is stop a $29 headline price from winning when there is a bulb you have to buy separately. Recheck the price and the final total on the payment page. The return window usually runs from the delivery date, but some sellers count from dispatch, so read the returns page before you order. If your currency isn’t dollars, change the symbol at the top.
Sources
- FTC: Online Shopping
Its one addition to this page is the advice to pay by credit card, because you can dispute a card payment.