RFQ Preparation
How to Compare Appliance Supplier Quotations
Build a comparable quotation sheet and expose exclusions before choosing a supplier or confirming an order.
Check that each quotation describes the same product
The lowest number on a quotation sheet may refer to a different specification or a narrower supply scope. Start with product identity: supplier model, rated electrical version, stated capacity, controls, materials and included accessories. Link each quoted option to its own photograph and specification revision.
A travel cup shown with a single-cup coffee maker, a grinding cup shown with a blender or a steamer shown with a rice cooker may need explicit inclusion in the quotation. Ask the supplier to list what is included and excluded. If a lower-cost option changes the configuration, record it as a separate option rather than merging it into the original comparison.
Separate unit price, project charges and logistics
| Area | Information to record |
|---|---|
| Product scope | Model, version, specification revision and accessories |
| Quantity | Order quantity, MOQ conditions and permitted model or color mix |
| Unit quotation | Currency, quoted quantity basis and validity date |
| Project charges | Samples, artwork, setup, tooling or testing when applicable |
| Packaging | Unit pack, master carton, inserts, labels and manual languages |
| Delivery basis | Agreed trade term, named location, edition and exclusions |
| Payment and timing | Payment stages, sample milestones and estimated production timing |
| Documents and support | Files to be provided, inspection coordination and spare parts terms |
Do not compare prices on different delivery bases
Record the exact delivery basis alongside the named place or port and the agreed edition of any Incoterms rule. ICC publishes these rules for use in sales contracts. A quotation that includes one set of transport responsibilities is not directly comparable with an offer that leaves those services to the buyer.
Ask your forwarder and relevant advisers to identify the services and charges needed for the actual route. Keep their estimates separate from the appliance unit price and record the assumptions used. This guide does not select a trade term, calculate tax or provide legal advice for a particular shipment.
Reference: ICC: Incoterms rules
Read MOQ and lead-time conditions together
Clarify whether the MOQ applies to the model, electrical version, color, logo method, packaging design or a combination of these. A mixed-container request does not automatically remove the supplier's requirements for each individual product. Ask which combinations the supplier can support and request an explicit quotation.
Likewise, clarify when the production estimate starts. It may depend on sample approval, artwork confirmation, payment stages or component availability. Keep the supplier's conditions with the estimate rather than turning it into an unconditional delivery promise. Record what must be approved before the next milestone can proceed.
Resolve exclusions before selecting the offer
Send the same clarification questions to each shortlisted supplier and update the comparison when answers arrive. Useful questions concern the proposed sample, changes from the catalog version, available documentation, inspection arrangements and handling of nonconforming goods. A comparison sheet should show unresolved items as unresolved.
Shire can coordinate supplier comparisons and a consolidated sourcing discussion across relevant appliance categories. The next useful step is a complete RFQ with model references, quantity, destination and customization needs. Confirm the final commercial and technical details with the selected parties before placing an order.
- Identify every assumption behind the quoted unit price.
- List excluded accessories, packaging items and project charges.
- Keep supplier offers in their original currency and delivery basis until normalized carefully.
- Request a revised quotation after material specification or scope changes.
Product References and Next Steps
Shire Appliances coordinates sourcing through cooperating suppliers. Product availability, specifications, documentation, MOQ and lead time are confirmed by model and quotation.
Product Requirements
