Small order or more units? Calculate the known cost per piece

Prepare two clearly identified purchasing options

Start with the same product and version, with quantities stated clearly. Ask the supplier for the purchase price and final packaging for each option. Request an independent logistics quote for each configuration, using comparable origin, destination and scope.

Keep the date, currency and conditions of each response. If an option changes transport mode, delivery point or included tasks, flag that difference before comparing. The calculation should show which purchase and service its figures represent.

Call identified amounts a known subtotal

DHL explains landed cost through components such as product, transport, taxes, other regulatory charges and insurance. That general description helps identify categories; it does not determine which apply to your goods or their amounts in Mexico.

For this comparison, add only identified items for each option, without duplicating charges included elsewhere. Keep unconfirmed taxes, tests, formalities or other items on a pending list with a responsible party. While items remain missing, use “known subtotal”; do not present it as a final import cost or profit.

Read the source for this explanation

A fictional example using two separate quotes

All figures below are fictional USD amounts, not market rates or tax rates. Assume each option has its own logistics quote and other confirmed costs without duplication. Unknown items remain outside the subtotal and still need to be assessed.

The calculation is: known subtotal divided by pieces purchased. Thus, 400 ÷ 20 = 20 USD per piece and 1500 ÷ 100 = 15 USD per piece. Both results cover only the items shown in the table.

Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.

Do not create the second rate by multiplying the first

Transport for 100 pieces uses a different quote in the example; it was not calculated by multiplying the quote for 20 pieces. For your shipment, provide weights, dimensions and packaging for each quantity and request confirmation of the conditions.

If you have only one proposal, the second option remains incomplete. Prepare the missing-information list, but keep its transport amount pending. When the response arrives, update the subtotal and retain the cargo version used for that quote.

Compare purchase outlay and inventory still to sell

The larger fictional option has a lower known amount per piece, but requires planning for 1500 USD versus 400 USD for the identified items. It also leaves 100 pieces to sell rather than 20. The table does not establish that they will sell or generate profit.

Record when each item would be paid under the agreed terms: a subtotal does not mean every payment falls on the same day. Add storage and selling needs, along with returns or other pending commercial expenses, where applicable.

Bring specific questions to the next inquiry

Before choosing, ask what remains missing from each option, who will review it and what could change the budget. Compare quantities against expected sales and available cash; this calculation alone does not determine the appropriate order size.

For an MX Pacific Express inquiry, send both quantities with packaging details, product, origin and destination. Request separate proposals and flag outstanding items. Pricing and available scope are confirmed for each transaction, without transferring the fictional figures into a real offer.