Tape quantity discounts and total purchase commitment
A lower price per tape case can still require a larger payment if the price applies only above a quantity threshold. Compare the complete order amounts before treating a discount as a saving. Keep the extra rolls visible alongside the quoted case price.
Keep the tape specification fixed
T901516PK is clear natural-rubber carton-sealing tape listed at 2 inches × 55 yards, supplied as six rolls per case. Use that same exact supply on both sides of the comparison. A price break on a different adhesive or roll length is also a specification change.
The following prices and quantities are hypothetical. They do not describe a Packrift offer, discount program or current quote. Assume a requirement of twenty-four rolls and an all-units discount: once the five-case threshold is met, the lower price applies to every case in that order.
Compare the requirement with the threshold order
| Order | Case price | Purchase total | Rolls received |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four cases, meeting the stated requirement | $30 | 4 × $30 = $120 | 24 |
| Five cases, reaching the discount threshold | $26 | 5 × $26 = $130 | 30 |
The discounted case price is lower, but the purchase total rises by $10. The order adds six rolls beyond the stated requirement. Dividing that $10 difference by six gives about $1.67 per extra roll in this comparison. It is an incremental commitment calculation, not the quoted unit price of those rolls and not an inventory valuation method.
Find the price that keeps the same purchase total
To hold the five-case order to the original $120 total, its all-units case price would need to be $120 ÷ 5 = $24. At exactly $24, the two purchase totals match. Below $24, the five-case merchandise total is lower; above $24, it is higher. This threshold assumes that other included charges are identical.
Check the actual discount wording. If a lower rate applies only to cases above a threshold, calculate those quantities at their separate rates. Do not apply the all-units formula to an incremental tier. Likewise, different freight or other charges can change the total comparison.
Give the extra stock an explicit purpose
The $130 choice may still suit an operation that has an established use and suitable storage for the extra six rolls. Record that reason separately from the unit-price reduction. If the additional quantity is not needed, the lower case price alone does not justify the higher commitment.
Keep the required quantity, threshold quantity, complete quoted terms and total payment together in the purchase comparison. Use the carton sealing tape guide to preserve the selected specification while reviewing the quantity decision.