Supplement Checkout Cost: Include Shipping and Package Size

Compare product offers using package price, shipping, threshold discounts, and labeled servings so the checkout total is clear.

Two offers for the same package can have different checkout costs once shipping, taxes, and minimum-order discounts are applied. Keep the package price separate from those purchase costs.

Record the same checkout inputs

For each offer, note the package price, shipping charge, any threshold for free shipping, taxes if displayed, and the quantity needed to qualify. A “free shipping” offer can require multiple packages, so show the actual basket size used in the comparison.

Show the unit-price denominator

Calculate package-only price per serving as package price divided by labeled servings. If a user is comparing total basket cost, show a second figure with shipping and tax divided by the number of packages or servings in that basket. Do not quietly allocate the full shipping charge to one item when several products are in the order.

Frequently asked questions

Should shipping be included in the advertised price?

Show it separately unless a verified checkout total is available; state exactly which costs the comparison includes.

Does a free-shipping threshold always save money?

Not if it requires buying extra products the shopper did not plan to order. Compare the full basket total.

Sources and review

Source: FTC, online shopping guidance. Shipping and tax vary by retailer and destination. Reviewed September 28, 2026.

Use current SuppScan data

SuppScan presents the product data available in its catalog and does not manufacture missing values. Open the Other vitamins & minerals comparison to review current offers and normalized metrics.