Delivery costs, returns and the true landed price

The cheapest price on a product page is not always the cheapest price at checkout. Delivery charges, minimum-order thresholds, collection fees and returns costs can change which retailer is really the best value. This guide explains what the "true landed price" is, how delivery and returns affect it and what to check before you pay. It also explains how HotWhatHow ranks offers.

What is the landed price?

The landed price is the total you pay to get the item to your door: the item price plus delivery, after any free-delivery offer the retailer applies. If one shop lists a product a little cheaper but charges for delivery, while another includes delivery for free, the second shop can be the cheaper buy.

HotWhatHow ranks offers by this total. "Lowest price" and "Cheapest" labels always mean the lowest total price among in-stock offers, never the offer that pays us the most commission.

Delivery costs: what to look for

Standard and premium delivery

Most retailers offer a standard option and faster paid options such as next-day or nominated-day delivery. When we compare prices, we use standard delivery. If you choose a faster option at checkout, your total will be higher.

Free-delivery thresholds

Many retailers waive delivery above a minimum order value. If an item is just under the threshold, adding a small item you need anyway can sometimes reduce the total — but only if you would have bought it regardless.

Large and heavy items

Televisions, appliances, furniture and gym equipment may use specialist couriers, with charges for two-person delivery, installation, removal of old appliances or delivery to an upstairs room. These extras are often added at checkout, so check them before comparing.

Click and collect

Collecting from a store or locker can be cheaper or free. Check whether there is a minimum order or a fee.

When delivery is unknown

Some retailers' product data does not include delivery costs. HotWhatHow never counts an unknown delivery cost as free: those offers are shown with "+ delivery" and cannot take the "Lowest price" label from an offer whose full cost is known.

Returns: the hidden part of the price

A low price is less attractive if returning the item is expensive or difficult. Before you buy, check:

• The returns window, and when it starts (order date or delivery date).
• Who pays return postage. Some retailers offer free returns; others deduct a charge or ask you to arrange and pay for the courier.
• Large-item collections, which may carry a fee.
• Condition rules. Many retailers only accept returns of unused items in original packaging, and some product types (for example, sealed hygiene items) may have different rules.
• Refund method and timing.

In the UK, consumers buying online generally have legal rights to cancel most orders within a set period and to a remedy for faulty goods. The details and exceptions are set out in consumer law and in each retailer's terms; Citizens Advice publishes plain-English guidance if you need it.

Marketplaces and international sellers

Marketplace listings can be cheaper, but the seller may not be the marketplace itself. Check:

• Who the seller is, and where the item ships from.
• Whether the item is new, refurbished, used or imported.
• Who handles the warranty.
• For sellers outside the UK, whether import charges or VAT could be added, and how returns are handled.

Payment and price changes

Prices and stock change throughout the day. HotWhatHow shows when each price was last checked, but the price at the retailer's checkout is the one that applies. Payment-method fees are uncommon for everyday card payments, but check the checkout summary before you confirm.

Key specs explained

Questions to ask before you buy

1. What is the total price including standard delivery?
2. Are there extra charges for large-item delivery, installation or removal?
3. Is the seller the retailer itself or a marketplace seller?
4. How long is the returns window, and who pays for returns?
5. Is the product new, and who provides the warranty?
6. Has the price changed since it was last checked?

Frequently asked questions

Why is the "Lowest price" offer not the lowest item price?

Because we rank by total price including delivery. An offer with a slightly higher item price and free delivery can be cheaper overall.

Do you include next-day delivery in prices?

No. We use the retailer's standard delivery charge. Faster options will cost more at checkout.

What happens if a retailer does not tell you the delivery cost?

We show the item price with "+ delivery" and never count the cost as free. Such offers cannot take the "Lowest price" label from an offer whose full cost we know.

Should I always choose the cheapest offer?

Not always. A slightly more expensive offer from a retailer with free returns, faster delivery or a longer warranty may suit you better. We show the cheapest offer clearly so you can decide.

Prices & links

HotWhatHow compares live prices from retailers as they are connected to the site. When offers are available, we rank them by the total landed price and show when each price was last checked. Some retailer links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission, which never changes which offer we label as the cheapest. Read how we make money and how we score for the full details.