The three that matter
- Amount received. The only figure that survives every difference in how costs are presented.
- Rate applied. Compare it to the mid-market rate on the same day, not to another provider's quote.
- Charges at the other end. Ask, because they are frequently absent from the sending screen entirely.
The one that mostly is not
Delivery speed, past a point. The difference between two hours and six hours matters rarely, costs often, and is the easiest thing to upsell. The difference between same day and four days matters a great deal — but that is a different decision.
| Figure | Ask it as |
|---|---|
| Amount received | How much will they have in hand? |
| Rate applied | What rate are you using, right now? |
| Other-end charges | Does anything come off on collection? |
Three questions, asked in that order, resolve most of the confusion that this site exists to explain.