Distributor prices move all the time. Most changes are small, and they rarely come with a notice. They show up as a slightly different number on the next invoice.
Where increases hide
- Unit price creep: the same item, the same pack, a few cents or dollars more per case.
- New fees: fuel, delivery, small-order or service charges that weren't there before.
- Pack changes: the price stays the same but the case is smaller, so you get less for the money.
- Substitutions: an out-of-stock item replaced by a more expensive one.
How to compare invoices
- Pick two invoices from the same supplier, a few weeks apart.
- Match items by the supplier's item number when it's printed, otherwise by description and pack size.
- Compare the unit price, not the line total, because quantities change.
- List any line that only appears on the newer invoice, especially fees.
Think in dollars per month
A 3% increase on something you buy every day can cost more than 20% on something you buy once a month.
Monthly impact = price change per unit × units you buy per month
Example (made-up numbers)
Fryer oil goes from $41.90 to $44.95 per jug and you use 6 jugs a month: (44.95 − 41.90) × 6 = $18.30 more per month.What to do when you find one
- Ask your rep why it changed and whether there is an equivalent item at the old price.
- Get a quote from a second supplier for your biggest items.
- Re-cost the dishes that use the item and decide whether to adjust the price or the portion.
Doing this by hand every week takes time. Our free price check compares two invoices for you.