Basispreises

Basispreise are the prices that serve as the starting point for pricing in commerce and contracts. They represent a standard or base level from which additional charges, discounts, taxes, or surcharges are calculated. The basis price often corresponds to a catalog price, manufacturer’s suggested price, or negotiated reference price, but it is not necessarily the final amount paid by the customer.

In practice, basis prices are used across various domains. In retail and wholesale, they function as anchor prices for negotiations, promotions, or tiered pricing. In contracts and tariffs, the basis price can establish the reference point for volume discounts, service fees, or usage-based charges. Because the final price may diverge from the basis price due to promotions, contractual terms, or regional taxes, the basis price is primarily a comparator and planning figure rather than a guaranteed amount.

Relation to other price concepts is important for clarity. The basis price differs from the selling price, which is the actual price charged to the customer, and from the unit price (per liter, per kilogram) used for price comparison. Clarity about what is included in the basis price (taxes, shipping, packaging) is essential to avoid misunderstandings.

In consumer information, basis prices support price transparency by enabling comparisons between products and offers. They are often accompanied by notes on inclusions and exclusions and may be regulated to ensure fair and clear disclosure in many jurisdictions. See also: Grundpreis, Listenpreis, Tarif.