Price list: how to build one that sells
A price list is a sales tool, not a column of numbers. In thirty seconds it should say what is being bought, at what price and on what terms — and it needs a validity date so you can update it without renegotiating with everyone who saw last year's version.
What it must contain
- A validity date and a version for the list itself.
- Items grouped by category rather than one long run.
- Description, unit of measure and unit price for every item.
- Whether prices include tax, stated once and prominently.
- Quantity breaks or volume discounts, if you offer them.
- General terms: minimum order, lead time, shipping, how long the offer holds.
- Your contact details and an explicit invitation to ask for a tailored quote.
Mistakes we see most often
- No date, so a customer waves last year's list at you.
- Mixing tax-inclusive and tax-exclusive prices in the same table.
- A flat list of sixty items with no categories and no hierarchy.
- No unit of measure: is "€35" per item, per hour or per square metre?
Typical structure
| Header | Logo, company, list version and validity |
| Category | Items grouped by family |
| Lines | Description · Unit · Unit price |
| Breaks | Volume discounts, where offered |
| Terms | Tax, minimum order, shipping, lead time |
| Contact | How to request a tailored quote |
Frequently asked questions
How often should a price list be updated?
Whenever your costs move, and in any case at the start of each year. A dated version makes updating painless: the new list simply supersedes the old one.
Prices with or without tax?
It depends who reads it: net for business buyers, gross for consumers. Whichever you choose, state it visibly and never mix the two.
Can I keep different lists per customer?
Yes, and it is normal for resellers and volume accounts. Multi-brand in Workio Pro lets you keep separate lists per issuing company and produce the right PDF for each.
Is a price list binding?
It is an invitation to treat until it becomes a quote or an accepted order. The validity date is what bounds your commitment.