Total cost of ownership, explained

What it means

Total cost of ownership is everything you pay over the life of a product, not only the price on the day. It includes accessories, running costs, repairs and what you can sell it for at the end.

Where hidden costs come from

A cheap printer that needs expensive ink, a fitness machine that needs a monthly plan, a tablet that needs a pen and a keyboard. Each of these can double the real cost.

Appliances add energy and water use over many years, which can exceed the purchase price.

Resale and lifespan

Some products keep much of their value and some lose it fast. A phone that sells for half its price after two years can cost less to own than a cheaper one that is worth nothing.

Run the numbers

Add it up yourself, then let VEYDICT check the exact product. It flags subscriptions, consumables and support costs as part of the verdict.