Template-led
Builders Merchant Overcharge Checklist
Answer a few questions about a merchant invoice and see whether it is worth questioning.
Result
Probably fine, unless your gut says otherwise.
If you have the quote and invoice, upload them and we can line up the exact differences.
What it is for
Built for real merchant paperwork, not generic accounting.
A quick way to decide if an invoice is worth sending over for a proper quote-vs-invoice check.
Covers quote mismatches, delivery charges, discount band changes and odd substitutions.
Works even if you only have the invoice in front of you.
Ends with a relationship-safe next step.
Guidance note
Merchant overcharge checklist method
Reviewed by ConstructionIntel on 14 June 2026.
A merchant overcharge checklist should separate paperwork issues before deciding what to query. The common checks are quote mismatch, quantity change, substituted item, delivery or small-order charge, discount-band movement, duplicate invoice and statement/payment allocation. The result should be a specific next step: leave it, ask a narrow supplier question, or send the paperwork for a fuller invoice check.
Check whether the invoice has a matching quote, PO or agreed price reference.
Separate item substitution and quantity movement from genuine unit-price movement.
Look for delivery, carriage, fuel surcharge and small-order charges as their own category.
If the issue is statement balance or duplicate paperwork, reconcile the statement before accusing the invoice.
What happens next
If it looks odd, send the invoice.
The result tells you whether to leave it, ask your rep a simple question, or send us the invoice for a closer look.
Send the invoice