How to compare quotes from Chinese suppliers
Bring two offers onto the same specification, quantity and service scope before paying for a sample or batch.
Products and trial ordersStep 3 of 4
Give suppliers the same brief
Send one version of the specification: model or acceptable substitute requirements, material, dimensions, quantities by variant and included parts. If one offer covers 20 units and another covers 200, the unit price alone does not establish value for your order. This is an editorial comparison workflow, not an assessment of particular sellers.
- Add the date and request version.
- Separate mandatory specifications from acceptable alternatives.
- Ask for a written list of departures from the brief.
Complete a comparison for each offer
An empty cell means information is missing, not that a cost is zero. If a service is included, ask the supplier to say so explicitly. The table below is a field template, not real prices or confirmed shipping terms.
- Record the currency and charging unit for every amount.
- Use the same exchange rate and comparison date for currency conversion.
- Record the offer expiry date and responsible seller contact.
| Compare | Offer A | Offer B |
|---|---|---|
| Model, material, dimensions | Record exact details | Record exact details |
| Quantity and minimum order | Confirm per variant | Confirm per variant |
| Goods price and currency | Request a quote | Request a quote |
| Sample and checks | Included or separate | Included or separate |
| Packing, weight, dimensions | Confirm for this batch | Confirm for this batch |
| Freight and other costs | List what is included | List what is included |
| Production and dispatch | Confirm the starting event | Confirm the starting event |
| Replacement and warranty | Request written terms | Request written terms |
Total comparable costs
Compare the required goods quantity, domestic delivery in China, agreed checks and packing, international freight, applicable taxes and local delivery. If amounts remain unknown, mark the total as provisional and list the outstanding costs. Do not count a service twice when it is already included in another line.
- Separate one-off sample or preparation costs from batch costs.
- Confirm whether cables, mounts, spare parts and instructions are included.
- Compare the same delivery destination and responsibilities at each stage.
Check timing and replacement arrangements
Clarify when the lead-time clock starts: payment, sample approval or final specification approval. Separate production from international transit. Ask who pays for replacement, returns and repeat shipping when goods do not match the agreement.
- State whether partial shipments and alternative products are acceptable.
- Keep sample-check and batch-acceptance terms.
- Do not treat a preferred arrival date as a confirmed lead time.
Prepare the quote request
Enter the product link, quantity and variant in the form. Use the notes for unknown costs, required checks and questions for the seller. Select consultation if you do not have a link. The form creates text for you to review and send; the comparison table does not place an order.
- Use “offer A” and “offer B” to avoid mixing terms.
- Keep original offers and the date received.
- Confirm the selected specification and complete package before payment.
