The whole point of FactoryPlug: show you the factory price next to the US price, honestly, so you can see the markup for yourself. But an honest comparison includes everything — not just the sticker price. Here's how to do it right.
How to compare a factory price to a US retail price
-
Step 1 — Start with the real factory price
Use the actual Alibaba listing price for the exact part — not a guess, not a screenshot from three years ago. Every product page on FactoryPlug shows the live price range from the verified listing. Note the MOQ: a $90 wheel at MOQ 4 is a $360 commitment, not a $90 wheel.
-
Step 2 — Add the landed cost
The factory price isn't the doorstep price. Add shipping (ask about DDP vs DAP — DDP means duties are handled), and check your country's de minimis threshold for small orders. A $200 part with $80 shipping and no duty surprises is a $280 part. Compare THAT to the shop price.
-
Step 3 — Compare against the real US price
Find the same part — same specs, same materials — from a US seller. Not a similar-looking part: the equivalent one. Then do the math: (US price − landed factory price) ÷ US price = the markup you're paying to skip the wait and the sourcing work.
-
Step 4 — Decide what the markup buys you
Sometimes the markup is fair: same-day availability, a US warranty, easy returns, a shop that answers the phone. Sometimes the gap is large on a part that matches the factory listing spec-for-spec with no added service. The comparison tells you which one you're looking at — and that's the whole game.
When the factory wins
- The US price is several times the factory price for a part that matches the factory listing (same photos, same stated specs) with no added service.
- You can wait 2–4 weeks for shipping and you're comfortable confirming fitment yourself.
- The savings are big enough to matter — on wheels, body kits, and exhausts, factory-direct routinely saves hundreds per order.
When the local shop wins
- You need the part this week — a car on jack stands beats a container on the ocean.
- The part needs professional fitting, coding, or calibration (some lighting and electronic parts).
- The US seller adds real value: warranty they'll honor, returns they'll take, fitment help from someone who's done your chassis before.
Our rule
We're not selling you anything — we market the products and show you both prices so you can decide. If a US shop earns its markup with service, we'll say so. If the price gap buys you nothing you value, we'll show you that too. Facts, not hype, are the whole business model. 🔌