Quote comparison evaluates supplier or seller quotations on a consistent commercial and operational basis. It looks beyond headline unit price to the requirements, exclusions and total expected cost of each offer.
What should be normalized?
Align quantities, units, specifications, currency, delivery terms, taxes, freight, payment timing, warranty and quote validity. Record assumptions rather than filling gaps invisibly.
How can total evaluated cost change the result?
Supplier A quotes $10,000 plus $1,500 freight and $500 inspection, for $12,000 total. Supplier B quotes $11,200 delivered with $300 inspection, for $11,500 total. Although B has the higher headline price, its evaluated total is $500 lower.
Illustrative quote comparison
| Cost component | Supplier A | Supplier B |
|---|---|---|
| Quoted goods | $10,000 | $11,200 |
| Freight | $1,500 | Included |
| Inspection | $500 | $300 |
| Evaluated total | $12,000 | $11,500 |
The example excludes qualitative differences and any customs, financing or currency effects not stated in the quotes.
Which non-price factors matter?
Compare compliance, lead time, capacity, quality evidence, warranty, payment risk and supplier performance. Weighting should reflect the actual requirement.
What should the decision record contain?
Retain the source quotations, normalization, clarifications, evaluation criteria, conflicts and approval. Do not modify supplier figures without preserving the original offer.
