Compare the same scope
A lower coating price is not automatically a lower project cost. Compare the same substrate condition, preparation, finish, quantity, masking, quality requirements and packaging. Distance may be justified by process fit or capacity, but the actual quotation must establish the economics.
- Use the same drawings, revision and production quantities for every supplier.
- Identify what is included and excluded in each quotation.
- Separate first-article/setup costs from recurring production costs.
- Confirm whether each quote covers packing, shipment booking and freight.
Build a cost worksheet
For each supplier, record the quoted amount, currency, date, included quantity and any unconfirmed item. Keep recoverable taxes separate from non-recoverable costs as advised by your finance team. Use an agreed conversion basis when comparing different currencies.
- Preparation + coating + masking/setup.
- Inspection + testing + documentation.
- Packaging + loading/handling.
- Inbound freight + return freight.
- Applicable broker and border charges for cross-border shipments, confirmed by logistics providers.
- Other agreed costs, such as special delivery arrangements or storage.
Evaluate production fit alongside price
Record each supplier's confirmed part envelope and weight capacity, process suitability, volume capacity, acceptance criteria and documentation. A quote that excludes a necessary preparation or testing step may not meet the required scope.
- Can the supplier process this specific part and geometry?
- Is the coating system approved against the actual project specification?
- Are masking, critical surfaces and inspection requirements understood?
- Can the supplier support the required release cadence?
Check the delivery path
Separate quoted production time from transport time and allow the project team to assess schedule risk. Ask suppliers and carriers to confirm the milestones rather than applying one standard turnaround estimate to every job.
- Technical acceptance and first-article approval.
- Inbound collection and receipt.
- Preparation, coating and agreed inspection.
- Packing and readiness notice.
- Return collection and delivery to the receiving site.
Make a documented decision
Summarize the full quoted cost, unconfirmed items, process fit and schedule assumptions. If freight dominates the comparison, ask whether a different release quantity or packaging arrangement changes the quoted economics. Consolidation or reusable racks are options to review, not assumed savings.