Note (2026-03-21): Numeric pricing constants are now managed in
pricing_config.json(repo root).
That file is the single source of truth. The multiplier was updated from 0.85 to 0.90.
Usepy -3.14 scripts/price.py run --helpfor the CLI pricing pipeline.
How ConductScience product prices are determined.
Most products are priced by applying a markup multiplier to supplier cost:
| Category | Markup Range | Target Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy equipment (>$1,000 cost) | 2.0–2.5x | 50–60% |
| Mid-range equipment ($200–$1,000) | 2.5–3.0x | 60–67% |
| Kits and assays ($20–$200) | 3.0–4.0x | 67–75% |
| Consumables (<$20) | 3.0–5.0x | 67–80% |
| Custom/manufactured (MazeEngineers) | N/A | 80%+ |
WooCommerce categories that explicitly follow the Consumables markup tier (3.0–5.0x):
| WC Category | Slug | WC ID | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consumables | consumables |
35873 | Consumables | Top-level parent category |
| Water & Environmental Testing | water-environmental-testing |
11810 | Consumables | Test strips, test tubes, pack tests |
| Water Test Strips | water-test-strips |
8636 | Consumables | Bulk packs only — single-use strips |
| Test Strips | test-strips |
— | Consumables | Individual strip kits |
| Reagents | reagents |
— | Consumables | Staining solutions, buffers |
| Lab Supplies | lab-supplies |
— | Consumables | General consumable supplies |
Products in these categories are sold in bulk packs only (≥$500 minimum order) per the consumable policy. See PROCESSES/CONSUMABLE_POLICY.md (pending creation).
For products with known competitor pricing (via RivalScience):
CRITICAL — Benchmark Selection:
ConductScience is a US-based distributor of Chinese OEM lab equipment. When researching "market price":
| Tier | Discount |
|---|---|
| $5,000+ order | +3% |
| $10,000+ order | +5% |
| $25,000+ order | +7% |
| $50,000+ order | +10% |
Annual rebates: 1.0–2.5% based on total annual spend.
| Source | Priority | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| US institutional competitor (Fisher, VWR, Cole-Parmer) | Market benchmark | Setting regular_price via × 0.85 formula |
| RivalScience competitor data | Market benchmark | Validation + competitive positioning |
| Historical ConductScience price | Reference | Don't change established prices without reason |
| Supplier pricelist (USD) | Internal cost only | Margin calculation, NEVER as market price |
| Supplier website (listed price) | Internal cost only | May be retail, not wholesale — still our supply chain |
| Alibaba / Made-in-China / Chinese resellers | Internal cost only | Supply chain pricing, NEVER as market benchmark |