Project Quote Guide · 03
Supplier Pricing
A like-for-like method for comparing quotations for construction materials, equipment, furniture and specialist project supply packages.
Designed for
Property and project customers reviewing supplier quotations within construction, renovation, fit-out, trade and procurement contexts.
What to look for
Use these checks to establish whether competing quotations describe the same work and commercial commitment.
Matching specifications and quantities
Complete delivered and installed cost
Visible lead times and warranty terms
Comparable payment and commercial conditions
Establish a like-for-like basis
Alternative supplier totals are meaningful only when product, quantity, quality and service scope are aligned.
Specification
Match material, finish, dimensions, performance description, brand and model. Record every proposed equivalent or substitution.
Unit rates and quantities
Check arithmetic, units of measure, minimum-order quantities, wastage assumptions and whether accessories or consumables are separate.
Brand and model substitutions
Ask suppliers to identify deviations explicitly rather than relying on phrases such as equivalent, similar or as available.
Bundled versus unbundled
Separate supply, accessories, delivery, installation, testing and aftercare so combined offers can be compared with itemised ones.
Understand the delivered cost
A low supply price may exclude the logistics, site work or taxes required to put the item into use.
Delivery
Confirm delivery location, offloading, access restrictions, packaging removal, split deliveries and any charges linked to timing or storage.
Installation
Clarify whether fixing, connections, commissioning, testing, training, making good and coordination with other trades are included.
Freight, import and duty
Where stated, distinguish freight, insurance, customs or duty and identify assumptions that could change before delivery.
VAT and taxes
Check whether VAT is included in displayed totals and whether the quotation states any other applicable tax treatment.
Review delivery and support commitments
Availability, lead time and post-delivery support can matter as much as the quoted unit rate.
Lead times
Check whether lead time starts from order, deposit, approved sample or drawing, and whether stock is held or subject to confirmation.
Warranty
Identify warranty period, start date, coverage, exclusions, response process and whether manufacturer and installer obligations differ.
Exclusions
Look for excluded accessories, supports, connections, access equipment, protection, testing, disposal and remedial work.
Validity and availability
Note quotation validity, currency exposure if stated, stock reservations and the consequences of delayed order confirmation.
Compare commercial terms
Normalise both product scope and contract terms before selecting a supplier quotation.
Payment terms
Compare deposits, advance material payments, payment before dispatch, credit periods and final payment conditions alongside price.
Alternative quotations
Create a comparison schedule for specification, quantity, unit rate, delivery, installation, warranty, lead time, exclusions and total including VAT.
Clarifications
Issue the same questions to each supplier and request revised offers that incorporate agreed clarifications rather than relying on separate messages.
Commercial responsibility
Confirm who carries design coordination, measurement, approvals, site verification, damage risk and compatibility with adjacent work.
Before signing
A practical quotation checklist
- Specifications, brands and models are aligned
- Quantities, units and arithmetic reconcile
- Substitutions are explicitly identified
- Delivery and installation are separated
- Lead time and availability basis is clear
- Warranty scope and exclusions are stated
- VAT and stated logistics costs are understood
- Payment and validity terms are comparable
What QuoteCheck reviews
Review the quotation you actually received.
QuoteCheck reviews supplier quotations connected to construction, property, fit-out, trade and project supply. We assess the stated specification, quantities, pricing structure, delivery, installation, exclusions and commercial terms. We do not claim coverage of every industry or certify product suitability or technical compliance.
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