4.4Editor score
In this guide
A mini desktop printing calculator combines a compact footprint with a paper record of calculations, making it useful for bookkeeping, tax preparation, retail work, budgeting, and other organized financial tasks. The right model should also offer dependable arithmetic, an easy-to-read display, comfortable keys, and business functions that match the way you work.
We compared all ten supplied products by considering printing capability, display readability, input design, calculation features, documentation functions, power requirements, and practical size. The list includes true printing calculators, adding machines, and a few non-printing alternatives so readers can distinguish the features that matter for each type of desk calculation.
Each review explains the standout capabilities, possible trade-offs, and the type of user most likely to benefit. Ratings and specifications reflect the supplied product information, while prices and availability can change at any time, so readers should confirm current details before purchasing.
Top 3 Picks for Best Mini Desktop Printing Calculator
4.6Editor score
4.6Editor score
Top 10 Best Mini Desktop Printing Calculator in 2026 Compared
This side-by-side comparison covers every supplied product, including compact printing models, larger desktop units, thermal and ink printers, adding machines, and non-printing desk calculators.
1. Casio HR-10RC – Best Overall Mini Desktop Printing Calculator
The Casio HR-10RC is a compact one-color printing calculator with a 4.4 rating and a design aimed at portable business and personal calculations. Its defining combination is a 12-digit LCD, rubberized keys, and a small paper printer, giving users a convenient way to preserve calculation results without moving to a full-size office machine.
Pros
- Compact desktop footprint
- Comfortable rubberized keys
- Useful correction and reprint controls
- Suitable for personal recordkeeping
Cons
- Single-color printing only
- No thermal print mechanism
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The most useful features concern documentation and correction. It prints in black with automatic date and time, which makes the output easier to identify and organize. Users can review and correct as many as 150 steps before printing, then employ reprint and after-print functions when a record needs to be repeated or added. Tax, cost, sell, margin, and currency exchange functions add practical value for budgeting and small-business work.
The main limitation is that it uses only one printing color, so it cannot visually separate positive and negative values as a two-color model can. It also produces ordinary ink output rather than the ink-free thermal tape offered by the Amazon Basics model. Nevertheless, its compact size, readable screen, comfortable keys, and correction tools create a balanced package for users who need a printer without a large footprint.
This is a strong recommendation for a home office, freelancer, mobile salesperson, or small business that wants an inexpensive step up from a screen-only calculator. It is especially appealing when clear dated records and easy corrections matter more than color-coded figures. For those needs, the HR-10RC offers the most approachable balance of size, function, and usefulness in this guide.
Corrections Without Rework
The 150-step review and correction capacity helps users fix mistakes before committing a record to paper. Reprint and after-print controls also reduce the need to repeat entire calculations when documentation requires another copy.
A Practical Paper Trail
Automatic date and time printing gives each record useful context. That is especially helpful for receipts, budgets, accounting notes, and other financial documentation that may be reviewed later.
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2. Casio HR-170RC Plus – Best Two-Color Mini Printing Calculator
The Casio HR-170RC Plus earns an Editor's Choice position because it balances compactness, printing speed, correction tools, and business-focused functions. Its 4.6 rating reflects a well-liked feature set, while the 12-digit display and clearly spaced plastic keys support comfortable daily data entry.
Pros
- Fast two-color output
- Useful visual value distinction
- Comprehensive business functions
- Large spaced plastic keys
Cons
- Uses a replaceable ink ribbon
- Color output requires ribbon supplies
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Its standout technology is the two-color printer, which produces black and red output at 2.0 lines per second. Color coding makes positive and negative values easier to distinguish, reducing the effort required to read dense financial records. Like the HR-10RC, it can review and correct up to 150 steps and supports reprinting and after-print functions.
Cost, sell, margin, mark-up, mark-down, tax, and currency exchange functions make this more specialized than a basic adding machine. Clock and calendar printouts, subtotal and grand total controls, and percent functions support accounting workflows. The trade-off is that it uses an ink ribbon, so it is less appealing for anyone specifically seeking to avoid recurring printing consumables.
Choose the HR-170RC Plus when fast, color-coded documentation is important but the machine still needs to remain compact. It is well suited to bookkeeping, tax work, accounting, and small-business calculations where distinguishing signs quickly can improve both speed and accuracy.
Color-Coded Financial Records
Black and red output provides an immediate visual distinction between positive and negative figures. That makes printed records easier to scan while keeping the machine focused on a manageable desktop size.
Built for Common Business Work
Cost, sell, margin, tax, and mark-up or mark-down functions cover calculations encountered in pricing, inventory, budgeting, and accounting. Clock, calendar, subtotal, and grand-total options further support organized records.
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3. CATIGA CP90A – Best Feature-Rich Adding Machine
The CATIGA CP90A is a feature-rich 10-key adding machine with a 4.5 rating and a large four-inch, 12-digit display. It is built for people who want a visible working total, a paper record, and business calculations in one unit, especially in accounting, finance, retail, and home-office environments.
Pros
- Large visible display
- Replaceable standard ink roller
- Extensive accounting functions
- Flexible AC or battery power
Cons
- Uses specialized adding-machine logic
- Batteries are not included
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Its professional feature set includes tax calculation, grand total, item count, and cost, sell, and margin functions. The printer uses blue and red ink, with a replaceable IR-40T roller identified as an industry standard. The easy-load paper mechanism and curved ergonomic keys are designed for repeated use, while the wide display makes totals easier to read across a desk.
The crucial consideration is that this is explicitly an adding machine rather than a standard calculator. Its instructions require adding-machine sequences for certain operations, such as entering 4, then 2 with the appropriate controls and invoking subtotal. That behavior may be efficient for experienced bookkeepers but can feel unfamiliar to users expecting ordinary calculator logic.
The CP90A is most appropriate for users who value display size, color-coded records, item counting, and dedicated business functions over conventional calculator behavior. It also supports an AC adapter and four AA batteries, although the batteries are not included. Users who need a clearer paper trail and large totals will find that trade-off worthwhile.
Large Display for Shared Workspaces
The four-inch, 12-digit screen gives the CP90A a visibility advantage over smaller displays. It can be useful at retail counters, shared office desks, or anywhere a user wants to check totals without leaning close to the machine.
Paper-Loading and Maintenance
An easy-load mechanism simplifies paper replacement, and the standard replaceable ink roller helps keep servicing manageable. AC adapter support and optional battery operation add flexibility for different desk arrangements.
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4. Amazon Basics Printing Calculator – Best Thermal Printing Option
The Amazon Basics Printing Calculator stands out for its 6.0 rating, 12-digit LCD, and ink-free thermal printing mechanism. It is designed for offices, retail spaces, and homes that need quick paper documentation without purchasing replacement ink, toner, or ribbons.
Pros
- No ink or ribbon required
- Very fast thermal output
- Familiar ten-key layout
- Tax and margin functions
Cons
- Single-color thermal output
- Lower supplied rating
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Thermal output at up to six lines per second is the model’s central attraction. That speed could be meaningful in a busy environment where calculations are entered continuously. Its classic 10-key arrangement offers a familiar input pattern, while cost-sell-margin and tax functions support common business calculations. The design is described as durable and intended for heavy daily use with minimal maintenance.
Thermal printing is not entirely colorless in the sense that some models may produce a specific thermal tone, but this product does not offer the black-and-red distinction of the Casio, Canon, and CATIGA models. The supplied 4.0 rating is also lower than those of several alternatives. However, eliminating recurring printing consumables can make the package more practical for users who print frequently and would otherwise need to maintain an ink ribbon.
This model is a good match for buyers who prioritize speed, low-maintenance printing, and straightforward business functions. It is less compelling for someone who needs multi-color output or all of the extended review and correction features found in the Casio HR-170RC Plus, but it remains a practical thermal-printing choice for common accounting and tax tasks.
Faster Paper Documentation
A listed speed of six lines per second allows calculations to become paper records quickly. That can be useful for rapid transaction entry, organized working notes, and repeated business calculations.
No Routine Ink Purchases
Thermal printing removes the need for recurring ribbons or other printing media. The result is a simpler maintenance routine for users who generate a steady stream of records.
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5. Canon MP11DX-2 – Best Premium Mini Printing Calculator
The Canon MP11DX-2 is a compact, two-color desktop printing calculator with a 4.6 rating. It is framed as a professional tool for busy users and tax-season work, combining a small footprint with a fast ink-ribbon printer and specialized margin calculations.
Pros
- Compact professional footprint
- Helpful double-check feature
- Two-color record output
- Dedicated pricing calculations
Cons
- Ink ribbon required
- Fewer listed business functions
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Its Double Check Function is the most distinctive verification-oriented feature. Instead of relying only on the displayed answer, users have a built-in way to increase confidence in the calculation. Profit margin keys can calculate selling price or a discount based on cost and the desired margin, while the two-color printer helps separate values visually.
Compared with the Casio HR-170RC Plus, the supplied feature list is shorter. The MP11DX-2 does not receive credit for a stated 150-step correction system, date and time printing, currency exchange, or mark-up and mark-down controls. It also uses a ribbon, while the Amazon Basics model avoids consumables. Those distinctions matter, but the Canon still offers a particularly focused combination of compactness, double checking, and profit margin work.
This is a strong recommendation for a professional who performs pricing and margin calculations and wants a compact two-color machine. Choose it over a feature-heavy adding machine when fast, straightforward entry and clear margin formulas are more important than extensive audit or documentation controls.
Verification Built Into the Workflow
The Double Check Function provides an extra layer of confidence during financial calculations. It is a practical feature for users who cannot afford a transcription or arithmetic error in a customer-facing or business record.
Pricing and Margin Shortcuts
Dedicated profit margin keys allow a selling price or discount to be derived from cost and the desired margin. These focused functions can shorten repetitive pricing tasks without requiring a general-purpose calculator.
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6. Canon P170DH3 – Best Bright-Display Printing Calculator
The Canon P170DH3 is a 12-digit desktop printing calculator with a 4.5 rating and a fluorescent display. Its brightest advantage is visibility in low light, where the listed display is described as brighter than an LCD, making it a practical choice for varied work environments.
Pros
- Brighter display in low light
- Fast printed documentation
- Date and reference number support
- Twelve-digit working capacity
Cons
- Fewer detailed functions listed
- Larger desktop style
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High-speed printouts support efficient documentation, while a non-add print key can record dates and reference numbers without adding those entries to the running total. This is a useful separation between printed reference information and arithmetic totals, particularly for organized transaction logs and client records.
The supplied description offers fewer details than several competing models. It does not identify the printing colors, correction capacity, power method, or specific business calculations, so buyers cannot assume that it offers the same margin, tax, or two-color functions as the Canon MP11DX-2 or Casio HR-170RC Plus. Its broader desktop format also places it closer to a traditional office printer than the smallest models in the guide.
The P170DH3 makes sense for users who prioritize display visibility, high-speed records, and the ability to print dates or reference numbers. It is a sensible choice when a bright display in changing lighting and straightforward paper documentation matter more than a long list of specialized keys.
Readability in Changing Light
The fluorescent display is specifically highlighted as brighter than an LCD in low-light conditions. That can make the working total easier to check during evening bookkeeping or in a dim office.
Reference Details Outside Totals
The non-add print key records dates and reference numbers while avoiding their addition to the running total. It provides cleaner documentation when each transaction requires supporting context.
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7. Canon MP21DX – Best Full-Size Two-Color Calculator
The Canon MP21DX combines a 4.6 rating with a traditional full-size desktop format, two-color printing, and a broad set of business controls. It is a strong option for a permanent office station where a stable powered setup is more important than a minimal footprint.
Pros
- High rating and rich feature set
- Two-color financial output
- Well-spaced large keys
- AC-powered steady operation
Cons
- Large physical footprint
- Ink ribbon and paper required
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Large, well-spaced keys support accurate entry, and the angled display is designed to be easy on the eyes. The printer produces up to 3.5 lines per second in black and red. Tax calculation, mark-up, mark-down, and item-counter functions cover common accounting tasks, while decimal and rounding switches, sign change, double zero, and grand total broaden general calculation support.
Its main compromise is size. At 3.7 inches high, 9 inches wide, and 12.2 inches deep, it occupies much more space than the Casio models created specifically for mini desktop use. It also relies on an ink ribbon and paper roll. AC outlet power removes battery expense, however, which is useful for consistent office operation.
Buyers should choose the MP21DX when they prefer a full-size keyboard, angled fluorescent display, and mature collection of accounting controls. It is less suitable for a crowded desk or mobile workspace, but well aligned with dedicated bookkeeping rooms, reception counters, and home offices with a permanent station.
A Dedicated Office Workstation
The generous key spacing, angled display, and AC power create a stable experience for extended desk sessions. The unit is better treated as a permanent workstation than a portable financial tool.
Fast Color-Coded Records
Black and red output at up to 3.5 lines per second gives users both visual distinction and solid documentation speed. Tax and item-count features keep common office calculations close at hand.
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8. Canon HS-1200TS – Best Compact Business Calculator
The Canon HS-1200TS is not a printing calculator, but its compact business-oriented design, 4.6 rating, and useful calculation keys make it worth comparing with printing models. It measures 4 7/8 by 6 7/8 inches, placing it among the smaller desktop-style options here.
Pros
- Compact business-focused design
- No printer or ink needed
- Useful margin and tax keys
- Attractive metallic appearance
Cons
- Does not create paper records
- Limited function list
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Solar power removes the need for batteries, while the 12-digit capacity supports common financial calculations. Profit margin and quick tax functions are particularly relevant to small-business work, and square root, sign change, and memory keys extend general usability. The metallic finish gives it a more decorative appearance than many utilitarian accounting machines.
The central limitation is obvious: it cannot print. Users who need receipts, transaction logs, dated records, or physical audit trails must choose an adding machine or printing calculator instead. Its function list is also narrower than that of the Casio HR-170RC Plus, which adds cost, sell, margin, mark-up, mark-down, currency exchange, and multiple printing controls.
The HS-1200TS is a good choice for a desk where a paper trail is unnecessary and compact business calculations are the priority. It can also serve as a simple secondary calculator. For anyone shopping specifically for a mini desktop printing calculator, however, it should be considered a non-printing alternative rather than a direct substitute.
Solar Simplicity for Everyday Work
Solar operation removes batteries from the maintenance routine. The calculator is ready for standard business arithmetic without the need to manage a power source.
Pricing Shortcuts in a Small Body
Profit margin and tax keys target common financial tasks, while the compact enclosure leaves more free space on the desk. The trade-off is the complete absence of printed documentation.
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9. Canon P23DHV – Best Time-Tracking Printing Calculator
The Canon P23DHV is a 12-digit printing calculator with a 4.6 rating and a specialized Time Calculation feature. It is described as a next-generation portable printing calculator, giving it a distinct appeal for professionals who bill by time and need the result reflected in their financial calculations.
Pros
- Dedicated time calculation
- Distinctive two-color output
- Practical 2.3-line speed
- Simple profit margin access
Cons
- Older portable-style design
- Specialized rather than comprehensive
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Its printer produces purple and red output at 2.3 lines per second. While the color combination is less conventional than black and red, it can help visually separate printed information. Time and date functions add context to records, and profit margin calculations are available through a small number of key presses.
The product appears focused rather than exhaustive. It is positioned as a portable printing calculator rather than a full adding machine, and the supplied details do not list extensive correction, tax, or mark-up functions. Users who require many dedicated keys may find the Casio HR-170RC Plus more comprehensive, while those who need a thermal mechanism may prefer the Amazon Basics model.
The P23DHV is a sensible option for consultants, freelancers, contractors, and other professionals charging by the hour. Its time-focused calculations and printed record can streamline a workflow in which duration directly affects the amount billed.
Time-Based Billing Made Direct
The built-in Time Calculation function supports fee structures based on time. It is a more relevant feature for hourly work than a general-purpose subtotal or item-count control.
Portable Paper Records
A printing speed of 2.3 lines per second and a portable format suit users who need a physical calculation record away from a permanent accounting station. The purple and red output provides visual distinction.
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10. Kate Spade Gold Dot – Best Stylish Non-Printing Calculator
The Kate Spade New York Standard Function Desktop Calculator has a 4.3 rating and a different purpose from most products in this guide. Rather than producing financial records, it is a small, solar-powered acrylic calculator designed to add visual personality to a workspace while handling basic math.
Pros
- Distinctive decorative styling
- Compact footprint
- Solar-powered convenience
- Easy-to-read display
Cons
- No printing function
- Basic feature set
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Its signature gold-dot print and transparent-style acrylic body distinguish it from conventional accounting equipment. The display is designed for easy reading, and solar power removes the need for batteries. At 5.5 by 4.1 inches, it can fit comfortably on a modest desk without demanding much room.
Functionality is the limitation. The supplied description identifies only standard calculation functions, with no printing, tax, margin, correction, or grand-total features. It is therefore not appropriate for bookkeeping, auditable records, or any task where a paper trail is required. Even the business-oriented Canon HS-1200TS offers a more specialized function set despite also lacking a printer.
The Gold Dot model is worth considering for a stylish office, home studio, or gift setup where basic calculations and appearance are the priority. It is the least suitable selection for someone whose search centers on mini desktop printing, but it demonstrates how a compact desktop calculator can serve a different role from a business machine.
Desk Style with Practical Utility
The gold-dot print gives the calculator a recognizable decorative identity. Its clear display and basic functions retain practical value while allowing the machine to blend into a stylish workspace.
Cord-Free Solar Operation
Solar power removes batteries and a charging routine from the equation. The compact dimensions and lightweight decorative approach also make it easy to reposition on the desk.
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Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Mini Desktop Printing Calculator
The most important distinction is whether you need a true printing calculator, an adding machine, or a screen-only desk model. After making that choice, display size, print method, correction tools, business functions, power, and footprint become the practical priorities.
Printing Calculator or Adding Machine
Choose a printing calculator for mixed calculations and professional-looking records. Choose an adding machine for high-volume entry, inventory work, and straightforward totals. If no paper record is needed, the Canon HS-1200TS and Kate Spade Gold Dot are simpler alternatives.
Single-Color or Two-Color Output
Choose two-color printing when you routinely handle positive and negative figures or want clearer financial records. One-color output is adequate when legibility and an uncomplicated printer matter more than visual differentiation.
Print Speed and Paper Management
Match speed to your workload rather than choosing it automatically. Low-volume users may prioritize simplicity, while busy counters and offices benefit from rapid output and easy paper handling.
Display Readability
Choose a large or fluorescent display for low-light work, shared spaces, and users who need quick visual confirmation. A standard 12-digit LCD is sufficient for close-up, individual use.
Correction and Review Controls
Prioritize generous review and correction capacity if mistakes are costly or entries are complex. If your work is simpler and you carefully check totals, a less elaborate model may be sufficient.
Business Calculation Functions
List your recurring calculations before choosing a model. A focused calculator with the right business keys is usually more efficient than a larger machine whose useful functions are difficult to locate.
Power and Ongoing Supplies
Choose dual or battery power for flexible placement, AC power for a permanent desk, and solar power for a simple screen-only model. If consumables are a concern, thermal printing offers a notable maintenance advantage.
Size, Keys, and Workspace
Measure the intended workspace before buying. Choose a compact model for limited or shared desks, and prioritize key spacing and angled displays for a permanent accounting station.
How to Use and Care for Your Mini Desktop Printing Calculator
Before starting, read the included manual and identify the machine’s operating logic. Some standard printing calculators follow familiar arithmetic rules, while adding machines require specific subtotal and non-add sequences. Set the tax rate, decimal position, and rounding preference when applicable, and confirm the date and time before making important records.
Enter one complete transaction or calculation at a time, checking the display before printing. For a long list of entries, use the item counter, subtotal, and grand total controls rather than trying to memorize intermediate values. If a mistake occurs, use the correction or review function before printing when the model supports it, and replace the paper roll or ink ribbon according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Keep the unit on a stable, dry surface and avoid spills or exposed liquids. Do not pull paper sideways while the printer is operating, and let the mechanism finish a print cycle before removing a roll. Store the calculator away from excessive heat and direct sunlight, especially if it has an acrylic case, and periodically clean the keys and display with a soft, dry cloth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a printing calculator and an adding machine?
A printing calculator combines general arithmetic with a printer that creates paper records. An adding machine is designed primarily for repeated entries, item counting, and totals, and some models use a non-add logic and subtotal sequence for subtraction. Check the manual if you are accustomed to ordinary calculator behavior.
Is a thermal printing calculator better than an ink-ribbon model?
A thermal model can reduce maintenance because it does not require ink, toner, or ribbons. An ink-ribbon calculator may offer familiar two-color output and is well suited to users who prefer or require that visual distinction. The best choice depends on print volume, desired color coding, and your tolerance for managing consumables.
Which model is best for a very small desk?
The Casio HR-10RC and HR-170RC Plus are the strongest choices in the guide for compact desktop use because both explicitly use a mini format. The Canon HS-1200TS is also small, but it does not print. The CATIGA CP90A and Canon MP21DX offer useful features but should be checked for space before purchase.
Do I need a two-color printer for bookkeeping?
Two-color output can make positive and negative values easier to distinguish, which is useful but not required for every bookkeeping workflow. Single-color output remains appropriate when the priority is a straightforward paper trail. Consider two colors if sign recognition, financial categories, or visual separation are central to your records.
Can these calculators be used for general home calculations?
Yes, but printing calculators are optimized for financial and business tasks rather than advanced scientific mathematics. Their tax, margin, percentage, memory, correction, and total functions are valuable for household budgeting. For advanced scientific work, a separate scientific calculator would be more appropriate.
What features matter most for tax preparation?
Tax calculation, clear displays, reliable printing, and correction controls are especially relevant. The Casio HR-170RC Plus combines tax functions with 150-step correction, reprint controls, and two-color output, while the HR-10RC provides single-color records and correction. Choose based on whether color coding and additional business keys justify the upgrade.
Do mini printing calculators require ink?
That depends on the printer technology. The Casio, Canon, and CATIGA models use ink ribbons, while the Amazon Basics model uses thermal printing and does not require ink, toner, or ribbons. Check the included supplies and replacement-part details before buying if ongoing consumables are important to your decision.
Are solar-powered desktop calculators suitable for business use?
A solar-powered calculator is most useful when a screen-only result is sufficient and the device will sit in adequate light. The Kate Spade Gold Dot is intended for basic functions, while the Canon HS-1200TS offers more business-oriented tax and margin calculations. Neither creates a paper record, so printing models are better for auditable documentation.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Mini Desktop Printing Calculator
Prioritize the features used in your daily work. Choose two-color output for clearer signs, correction capacity for careful bookkeeping, thermal printing for low-maintenance records, and a large display for shared counters. Adding-machine logic and specialized time calculations may be more useful to some users than general calculator convenience, while non-printing models are best treated as separate desk-calculation alternatives.
Finally, verify the current listing details, included accessories, availability, and price before ordering. Product information and selling conditions can change, and the supplied ratings do not replace checking the latest customer feedback and product details available at the time of purchase.