## Setting Up Custom Product Costs

Beyond standard product costs, Alpha Insights supports advanced cost calculation methods for complex scenarios like variable costs, tiered pricing, or dynamic cost calculations.

### Standard Product Cost

Simple cost per unit:

1. Edit product in WooCommerce
2. Find Alpha Insights tab
3. Enter cost (e.g., $25.00)
4. Save

### Variable Product Costs

Different costs for different variations:

1. Edit variable product
2. Go to Variations tab
3. Expand each variation
4. Enter cost specific to that variation

Example:

- Small T-Shirt: $10.00 cost
- Large T-Shirt: $12.00 cost
- XL T-Shirt: $14.00 cost

### Tiered Costs Based on Quantity

Cost changes based on order quantity:

1. Enable Quantity-Based Costs in product settings
2. - 1-10 units: $15.00 each
   - 11-50 units: $12.00 each
   - 51+ units: $10.00 each

#### Time-Based Costs

Costs that change over time (seasonal, supplier changes):

1. Set cost with effective date
2. Historical orders use cost from that date
3. Future orders use current cost

### Formula-Based Costs

Calculate cost dynamically:

- Base cost + options:$20 + $5 per selected option
- Percentage of price:40% of sale price
- Weight-based:$2 per lb Ã— product weight

#### Advanced Cost Options

### Include in Cost Calculation

Choose what to include:

- Base product cost
- Addon costs (product add-ons)
- Custom fees

### Cost Allocation Methods

- Per unit: Standard method
- Per order: Split evenly across line items
- Weighted by price: Higher-priced items get more cost allocated