Understanding Average Cost Prices in ChannelDock
When managing deliveries in ChannelDock, you can set purchase prices for products. Understanding how these prices are tracked and how the average cost price feature works is essential for accurate inventory valuation.
How Purchase Prices Work in Deliveries
When you add products to a delivery (purchase order), you can specify the purchase price for each product. It's important to understand that:
Purchase prices are recorded when products are added to the delivery. The system captures the price at the moment you add each item
Price changes are tracked - If you modify the purchase price after adding a product, ChannelDock maintains a history of these changes
Each addition can have a different price - If you add the same product to a delivery multiple times, each instance can have its own purchase price
Viewing Purchase Price History
ChannelDock now includes a feature that shows you what the purchase price was when each product was added to a delivery. This helps you understand why exported data might show different prices than what you currently see in the interface.
To view purchase price history:
Open your delivery in ChannelDock
Look for the purchase price history indicator (recently added feature)
Review the timeline of price changes for each product
Setting Average Cost Price
The average cost price checkbox allows you to automatically calculate the weighted average of your purchase prices over time.
When to Use Average Cost Price
Use the average cost price setting when:
You purchase the same product at different prices over time
You want your inventory valuation to reflect the average of all purchases
You need consistent cost calculations across multiple deliveries
How to Verify Average Cost Price is Set Correctly
Check your purchase history - Review multiple deliveries of the same product to see the different purchase prices
Compare calculated average - Manually verify that the system's average matches your expected calculation: (Total cost of all purchases ÷ Total quantity purchased)
Review exports - Export your delivery data and check that prices align with your purchase history
Common Issues and Solutions
Different Prices in Export vs. Interface
If you notice that exported data shows different prices than what appears in your ChannelDock screen:
This typically happens because the purchase price was changed after products were added to the delivery
The export reflects the historical price when each item was added
The interface may show the current/updated price
Use the purchase price history feature to see all changes
Preventing Price Discrepancies
To avoid confusion:
Set the correct purchase price before adding products to a delivery
If you need to change prices, be aware that the history is maintained
Use the average cost price feature for products with variable pricing
Always verify totals before finalizing a delivery
Best Practices
Double-check prices before saving - Verify purchase prices match your supplier invoice before accepting a delivery
Use consistent pricing methods - Decide whether to use actual prices or average cost price and stick to that method
Regular audits - Periodically export and review your purchase data to ensure accuracy
Document changes - Keep notes on why purchase prices were modified if you make adjustments
Need More Help?
If you're experiencing issues with purchase prices or average cost price calculations, contact ChannelDock support with:
The delivery ID or order number
Screenshots of the pricing in your interface
Your exported data showing the discrepancy
A description of the expected vs. actual behavior
Our support team can investigate the purchase price history and help resolve any discrepancies.