at cost plus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at cost plus" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in business contexts to refer to a pricing strategy where the selling price is determined by adding a specific markup to the cost of production or acquisition. Example: "The contractor agreed to work on an at cost plus basis, ensuring that all expenses would be covered along with a reasonable profit margin."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Next month they will be sold for $9.99 at Cost Plus World Market stores.

The New York Times

The grills shaped like kegs and toolboxes, ordered for a Father's Day promotion at Cost Plus World Market, arrived too late for the holiday.

The New York Times

We found the Cava Wine Bar at Cost Plus World Market for $200.

TechCrunch

I painted a few walls, bought some nice furniture at Cost Plus and I'm in business.

TechCrunch

It's not that I have a thing against small objects, mind you — those itty-bitty bottles of Cholula they sell at Cost Plus?

TechCrunch

Shopping at Cost Plus World Market with Kelly Wearstler.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Then, every 60 days, users receive in the mail a higher-level course with 30 lessons, which they can keep (for $256) or return within 30 days at no cost plus shipping.

The New York Times

GlaxoSmithKline intends to field the vaccine at-cost, plus five per cent for reinvestment in future vaccine research.

The New Yorker

Cost Plus' stores generate $2,787 a square meter, versus $2,131 for Pier 1; average annual sales volume at a Cost Plus store is $4.1 million, compared with $1.5 million for a Pier 1 shop.

Forbes

Cost Plus' stores generate $259 per square foot, versus $198 for Pier 1; average annual sales volume at a Cost Plus store is $4.1 million, and only $1.5 million for a Pier 1 shop.

Forbes

Where markets are small and economies of scale make a single producer the most efficient solution, credible means to verify "at-cost" or "cost-plus" supply commitments are needed.

Globalization and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Specify whether the "plus" component is a percentage, a fixed fee, or covers specific expenses for transparency.

Common error

Avoid using "at cost plus" without specifying which costs are included (e.g., materials, labor, overhead). This lack of clarity can lead to disputes and misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at cost plus" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, usually related to selling, pricing, or providing goods or services. It specifies the method of pricing used. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's primarily used in business contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Formal & Business

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at cost plus" describes a specific pricing strategy, where goods or services are sold at the cost of production or acquisition, with an added markup. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly used in business, news, and scientific contexts. While not extremely common, understanding this phrase is crucial in business and financial discussions. For greater clarity, it's recommended to define "cost" clearly and specify the nature of the "plus" component. Alternatives like "cost-plus pricing" or "cost plus a markup" can also be used. The phrase's primary function is to transparently communicate how a price is determined, fostering trust and clarity between parties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cost-plus pricing

More concise term for the same pricing strategy.

cost plus a markup

Specifies that an additional amount is added to the base cost.

at manufacturing cost plus

Focuses specifically on manufacturing costs as the baseline.

at production cost plus

Similar to manufacturing cost, highlighting production expenses.

at cost plus a percentage

Indicates that the markup is calculated as a percentage of the cost.

at cost plus a fixed fee

Specifies that a predetermined amount is added to the cost.

at cost with a margin

Uses the term "margin" to describe the additional amount.

at cost plus expenses

Highlights the inclusion of all expenses in addition to the cost.

at invoice cost plus

Refers to using the invoice cost as the base for calculating the selling price.

at acquisition cost plus

Emphasizes that the cost of acquiring something is used as the base.

FAQs

What does "at cost plus" mean in business?

In business, "at cost plus" refers to a pricing strategy where a product or service is sold at the cost to produce or acquire it, plus an additional markup to cover profit or other expenses.

How is "at cost plus" different from fixed-price contracts?

In a fixed-price contract, the price is agreed upon upfront, while /s/at+cost+plus allows the final price to fluctuate based on actual costs incurred, plus an agreed-upon markup.

What's an advantage of using "at cost plus" pricing?

One advantage of /s/at+cost+plus pricing is that it can be more transparent and equitable for both the buyer and seller, as it reflects the actual costs involved plus an agreed profit margin.

When is it appropriate to use "at cost plus" pricing?

/s/At+cost+plus pricing is appropriate when costs are difficult to estimate upfront, or when there's a significant risk of cost fluctuations during a project.