Item price and total transaction cost

Two listings with the same asking price do not necessarily have the same real cost.

For buyers, account for shipping, insurance, applicable charges, accessories that must be purchased immediately and foreseeable maintenance. For sellers, account for fees, packaging, transport and negotiation room.

This is especially important when comparing different markets or platforms: an apparently cheaper item may become less attractive once all additional costs are included.

Keep item value and transaction cost conceptually separate, but consider both in the final decision. The economics are determined by the total, not only by the number displayed in the listing.