How to read a Chinese supplier quote — and what's usually missing
A "quote" from the right supplier answers a decision. A bad quote opens a negotiation that never ends. Here's what a usable quote contains — and what its absence means.
The six things a complete quote states
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Price basis (quantity + specs + options) | "$18.50" means nothing. $18.50 at 500 pcs, kraft box, matte finish — now it can be compared. |
| Inclusions and exclusions | Packaging, printing, tooling fees, testing, freight terms (FOB/CIF/EXW) all hide here. |
| Lead time and current loading | A 30-day lead time in a loaded factory is not the same as one in a slow month. |
| Payment terms | 30/70 against B&L is standard; 50/50 upfront on a new client usually signals cash pressure. |
| Sample policy | Who pays, is it creditable, how many rounds are included. |
| What needs confirmation | An honest quote lists open items. A "perfect" quote with zero open items is the one to re-check. |
The two questions that clarify half the confusion
- "Is this price at MOQ, at my quantity, or at your preferred quantity?" — most mispriced orders fail here.
- "If I change the quantity later, what happens to the unit price?" — reveals whether the price is a real ladder or a bait number.
Comparing quotes across suppliers
Normalizing quotes is what our comparison template exists for: same fields, per supplier, with each open question assigned an owner and date. Quotes that arrive years apart should also be re-basesed against the same raw material indices — steel, resin, freight.
Not sure whether a quote you received is complete? Send it to us in an enquiry — we'll tell you what's missing, no charge, no obligation.