At cost
adverb
For the amount of money that it takes to make or get something, without adding any amount for profit.
We're selling these items at cost to clear the stock.

Often appears as...
- sell at cost
- buy at cost
adverb
Causing loss or damage to someone or something.
He got his promotion, but it was at great personal cost.

Often appears as...
- at great cost
- achieve something at cost
adverb
For the amount of money that it takes to make or get something, without adding any amount for profit.
We're selling these items at cost to clear the stock.

Often appears as...
- sell at cost
- buy at cost
adverb
Causing loss or damage to someone or something.
He got his promotion, but it was at great personal cost.

Often appears as...
- at great cost
- achieve something at cost
Definition 1 of 2

No Profit
Understand that 'at cost' means the seller doesn't make any profit from the sale.

The fundraiser items were sold at cost to maximize contributions.
Clearance Strategy
'At cost' can imply a strategy to sell inventory quickly, often to make room for new stock.

The shop is offering jackets at cost during the clearance event.
Cost Transparency
Businesses may use 'at cost' to show transparency in pricing, building trust with customers.

As a promotion, the bakery sold bread at cost for one day.
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