Prices, production and sales are different things
A glossary for interpreting commercial claims without treating estimates, targets, capacity and completed transactions as synonyms.
Maintained reference ยท Updated 2026-10-20
Price needs a basis
A quoted price can refer to a planned list price, a lease, a pilot contract, a hardware-only estimate or a complete deployed system. Ask what is included: integration, tooling, software, maintenance, training, support and taxes. If the basis is not public, do not imply that the figure is a comparable purchase price.
Targets are not output
A production target is a stated goal for a future period. Planned capacity is not the same as units built; units built are not the same as units shipped; shipments are not proof of paid customer use. Preserve those distinctions in summaries and tables.
Sales require a clear source
A customer announcement may establish intent, a pilot, a contract or a delivery, depending on its wording. Avoid upgrading 'agreement' into 'sale' or 'deployment'. When a source does not disclose quantity, price or status, mark those details as undisclosed rather than estimating them.
Treat estimates as estimates
A market forecast or analyst estimate is a model, not an observed count. Attribute it to its author, date and stated scope. Explain material assumptions when available, and never combine forecasts with reported outcomes as if they were the same kind of evidence.
Keep the date attached
Commercial conditions change quickly. Put an as-of date beside price ranges, availability and production statements, and retain the source date. Historical figures should remain available in the archive, clearly dated rather than silently overwritten.