Markup Detective

Why does this cost that? Follow the money.

Ever wonder why a $5 coffee costs $5 or hospital aspirin costs $25? Describe any product or service, and Markup Detective will show you where the money goes and why the price may be much higher than you expected.

Overview

MarkupDetective is pricing forensics for everyday life. Pick any product or service, and it shows you exactly where your money goes — what percentage is raw materials vs. labor vs. brand premium vs. pure profit. Includes the psychological pricing tactics being used on you, industry secrets about how things are really priced, and specific ways to get the same thing for less.

How to use it

  1. Describe the product or service you're curious about
  2. Optionally add the specific price you saw and where
  3. Or tap a popular mystery to jump in
  4. Review the cost breakdown with visual bars showing where money goes
  5. Check what it typically costs elsewhere, and the money-saving tips

Example

Scenario: You just paid $15 for a cocktail at a nice bar.

What you do: Enter '$15 cocktail at a cocktail bar' into MarkupDetective.

Result: Shows the spirits cost about $2.50, the garnish/mixer is $0.80, labor is $3, and you're paying $8.70 for the atmosphere and brand. Markup: 6x. Pricing psychology: anchoring against the $18 'premium' cocktails. Industry secret: most bars make 80% margin on well drinks.

Tips