Compare the cash price with the complete financed price, including a deposit and all instalments. A discount matters only if funding it is affordable.
What to check
- Cash price
- deposit and total financed payments
Use the written quote to separate cash received, scheduled payments and charges outside those payments. Keep a calculation with each quote.
A decision to avoid
Counting the discount while ignoring the cost of borrowing the cash price.
A calculation you can check
Illustration only: cash received R2 000; three payments of R750; a separate required charge of R50. Total paid = 3 × R750 + R50 = R2 300. Difference from cash received = R2 300 − R2 000 = R300. This difference is not an annual interest rate. Include the charge only if it is outside the three payments; do not count it twice.
Questions about this decision
What should I check first?
Compare the cash price with the complete financed price, including a deposit and all instalments. A discount matters only if funding it is affordable.
Which information do I need for this decision?
Cash price, deposit and total financed payments.
Which mistake should I avoid here?
Counting the discount while ignoring the cost of borrowing the cash price.
How do I check cash price?
Locate the actual dated record for Cash price. Compare it with the other records in this checklist; ask the organisation responsible for any unexplained difference.
How do I check deposit and total financed payments?
Locate the actual dated record for deposit and total financed payments. Compare it with the other records in this checklist; ask the organisation responsible for any unexplained difference.
What should I do if a required detail is missing?
Mark it as unresolved. Ask for that precise detail before choosing; do not substitute an advertised example for your own document.
What is the next practical step?
Use the written quote to separate cash received, scheduled payments and charges outside those payments. Keep a calculation with each quote.
How can I verify the explanation?
Use the documents listed above. Check quoted amounts and dates in the original record; use the official reference links for the organisation’s guidance.
