Ask which version, quantity and packaging each price covers.
RFQ & QUOTE TOOLS · FREE WORKSHEET
Compare the order, not just the price.
One supplier quotes the standard storage box. Another includes your printed retail sleeve. A third needs a higher minimum for a custom colour. Put the actual offers side by side before choosing the cheapest number.
OFFER COMPARISONILLUSTRATIVE ONLY
COMPARISON BASISQUOTE AQUOTE B
ProductStandard boxBranded box
PackagingPlain sleevePrinted sleeve
MOQ for packagingTo confirmTo confirm
Comparable price?Not yetNot yet
Illustrative product differences only. No supplier offer or market price is represented.
Include setup, samples, printing and other costs before comparing totals.
Different answers call for different supplier questions.
What to put in the comparison
The downloadable CSV uses the same fields shown below, with room for three supplier quotations. Leave an answer open when the supplier has not confirmed it; you do not need to fill every field for an exploratory enquiry.
01 / 08Product and version
Supplier model or SKUMaterial, construction and key specificationsIncluded accessories and product variantsDestination-market version
WHY IT MATTERSTwo prices are not comparable if suppliers have priced different specifications.
02 / 08Seller and production
Company issuing the quotationContracting seller and proposed payment beneficiaryProposed manufacturing site and outsourced stepsQuotation date and validity
WHY IT MATTERSRecord the parties involved without assuming that a different name means wrongdoing.
03 / 08Price and extra charges
Unit price and currencyTooling, setup and sampling chargesTesting, printing and packaging chargesItems included and excluded
WHY IT MATTERSCompare the cost of the order you can actually place, not a single unit-price figure.
04 / 08Quantity and packaging
Minimum order and quantity price tiersMOQ per colour, size, SKU or variantStandard or custom packaging and minimumsCarton quantity and estimated pack dimensions
WHY IT MATTERSThe product MOQ and a custom packaging MOQ may not be the same.
05 / 08Delivery and payment
Incoterms rule and named port or placeFreight or import costs included in this offerDeposit, balance and payment milestonesProduction, shipment-ready and delivery dates
WHY IT MATTERSAn Incoterms rule allocates delivery, costs and risk; it does not itself decide payment terms or title.
06 / 08Samples and changes
Sample version, fee and lead timeApproved specification and sample referenceWho approves component, material and artwork changesInspection arrangements for the first production
WHY IT MATTERSConfirm the version to be produced before treating a sample as approval of mass production.
07 / 08Market and documents
Intended sales market and product labellingApplicable product-specific requirementsDocuments offered for the exact model and factoryResponsibility for final market compliance
WHY IT MATTERSA certificate, report or marking needs checking against the actual product and market.
08 / 08After-sales and open points
Warranty and complaint handlingSpare parts and replacement arrangementsSupplier-specific questions still unansweredNext action and owner
WHY IT MATTERSA useful comparison should show what remains to be agreed before the buyer commits.
Compare what you can actually order
A lower unit price may still win once the product and terms match. If one offer includes extra services or a different minimum, request the price for the same product version and planned order quantity. The supplier may also suggest a more practical standard option.
Buying an air fryer? The air fryer-specific comparison CSV includes additional electrical, model and testing fields. Use the general quotation comparison guide for a worked explanation.
Have two or three quotations? Compare them directly in your browser ↗