# Three-mug purchasing decision

Three HarborMugs cost $72 with free US shipping before tax. That leaves only $3 within the buyer's $75 budget. The purchasing brief therefore asks for the final tax-inclusive checkout total before approval; it does not claim that $72 is the final payable amount.

## Delivered-cost comparison

| Item | HarborMug | Fictional DeskSip DS-500 |
|---|---:|---:|
| Unit price | $24 | $18 |
| Quantity | 3 | 3 |
| Merchandise | $72 | $54 |
| Shipping | $0 at the $50 threshold | $6 per order |
| Before-tax subtotal | $72 | $60 |
| Cleaning | Hand-wash only | Dishwasher permitted |

The competitor is $12 cheaper for this basket and better suited to mandatory dishwasher use. The buyer says hand-washing is acceptable, which keeps HarborMug in consideration but does not establish a performance advantage. Both capacities are 500 ml in the supplied fictional evidence. No heat-retention duration, customer outcome, win rate or procurement time saving is claimed.

## Objection responses the seller can use

| Objection | Response | Evidence / next question |
|---|---|---|
| “The competitor is cheaper.” | “For three mugs, its supplied delivered subtotal is $60 before tax versus our $72. If price is the deciding factor, that option is cheaper.” | C1 and product-facts; ask which other specifications matter |
| “My supervisor must approve.” | “Here is the complete before-tax comparison. Please obtain the checkout tax before approving the $75 budget.” | Budget and B1; $3 headroom |
| “Can these go in the dishwasher?” | “HarborMug is hand-wash only. If dishwasher cleaning is required, choose a compatible alternative.” | Product care restriction; no unsupported exception |

## Approval sequence

The office manager checks the 9 × 9 × 19 cm footprint and hand-wash routine with the three users. The buyer requests the final tax-inclusive total. The supervisor approves only if it is within $75, or explicitly changes the budget or product choice. If the taxable base is $72, a $3 tax allowance corresponds to 4.1667%; this arithmetic does not determine the applicable tax rate or exemption.

US dispatch takes 2 business days, followed by 3–5 business days in transit. Unused returns within 30 days of delivery require final merchant approval. A return-postage promise is not supplied.

The package contains an editable HTML one-pager and the PDF produced from it. A scripted page-count and text check validates the export. The brief uses fictional buyer roles and evidence rather than a real customer endorsement. No order was placed and no external message was sent.