Final answer:
The type of item that might cause your order total to differ from the customer's invoice in SAM is primarily a Catch-Weight Item, due to variations in actual weight affecting price. Additionally, inflationary items, improved Quality-Assured Items, and Guaranteed Sale conditions can also cause discrepancies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of item in SAM (Sales and Marketing system) that might cause your order total to be different from the customer's invoice is a Catch-Weight Item. Catch-weight items are products that are sold by weight and can have varying weights per unit, such as meats or cheeses. This variance can cause the price on an invoice to differ from the expected total as the final price is based on the actual weight of the product supplied.
Inflationary items could also lead to discrepancies in pricing over time, as the cost of items can increase due to inflation, impacting the prices of the items in the basket if there's a time lag between order placement and delivery. Similarly, Quality-Assured Items may alter the price if the product has been improved or changed, adding value and potentially cost. Lastly, if products are sold on a "Guaranteed Sale" basis, the prices may be discounted or altered under specific conditions set out in a sales agreement.
These price variations link to broader economic discussions regarding inflation. Changes in quality or new versions of goods can make it difficult to calculate inflation, specially when trying to differentiate between quality improvements and actual price increases.