Start with one comparison basis
Three prices are not three comparable offers if the suppliers priced different materials, quantities, packaging or delivery terms. Before ranking them, write a short comparison basis that every supplier must answer:
- product model, drawing or revision;
- material, dimensions, finish and permitted substitutions;
- quantity for the first order and expected repeat order;
- branding, packaging, labelling and testing requirements;
- destination and requested delivery basis.
If a supplier proposes an alternative, keep it in a separate row. Do not silently treat it as the requested product.
1. Normalise the quantity and MOQ
Ask all three suppliers for the same quantity tiers, such as pilot, expected first order and higher-volume order. Record whether the MOQ applies per SKU, colour, size, material, packaging version or total purchase order.
| Field | Supplier A | Supplier B | Supplier C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot quantity | |||
| Expected first order | |||
| Higher quantity | |||
| MOQ basis | |||
| Price quantity |
A low unit price at a quantity you will not buy is not the best first-order offer. A low MOQ may also come with setup or packaging charges that change the cash commitment.
2. Split the commercial numbers
Keep these fields separate instead of comparing one headline unit price:
- unit price and currency;
- tooling, mould, setup, artwork or print-plate charges;
- sample and revision charges;
- packaging and labelling;
- requested testing or inspection;
- domestic and international freight;
- payment schedule and quote validity.
If a delivery term is used, record the named place as well. ICC’s Incoterms rules allocate defined delivery tasks, costs and risks, but they do not settle product quality, payment timing, duties or every landed cost.
3. Compare timing and execution conditions
Ask each supplier to state sample lead time, production lead time at the quoted quantity, and the point from which production timing is measured. Also record:
- what information or approval starts the clock;
- whether materials are already available;
- whether the quoted lead time is for a pilot or a repeat order;
- what happens if the specification changes after sampling.
Do not convert an unclear answer into an optimistic assumption. Mark it to confirm and make it the next question.
4. Use a decision table, not a single score
After normalising the quotes, make the decision visible:
| Decision field | Supplier A | Supplier B | Supplier C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product basis matched | Confirmed / to confirm | Confirmed / to confirm | Confirmed / to confirm |
| First-order cash commitment | |||
| Open cost fields | |||
| Sample and production timing | |||
| Delivery term and place | |||
| Biggest unanswered question | |||
| Next verification step |
The best candidate is the offer that fits the actual decision and has manageable unknowns. This may not be the lowest unit price or the lowest MOQ.
5. Send the same follow-up
Give every supplier the same short list:
- Confirm the exact product revision, material and finish.
- Confirm MOQ and prices at the three requested quantities.
- List every one-time charge and what is included in packaging.
- State sample, pilot and repeat-order lead times.
- State the delivery term, named place, payment schedule and quote validity.
- Identify every exclusion or field still requiring confirmation.
Keep non-responses visible. A blank is an unanswered commercial risk, not a zero-cost assumption.
The next step after comparison
Once the three offers are on one basis, select the supplier that merits the next verification step—usually a clarified quotation, sample review or documented pre-shipment check. The comparison does not prove supplier capability, product quality or final landed cost.
Mon can coordinate a consistent RFQ and comparison brief across suppliers. The buyer remains responsible for forecasting, commercial approval, import costs and the final order decision.
Sources and limits
The delivery-term boundary follows ICC’s Incoterms overview. Supplier-specific pricing, MOQ, timing and inclusions must be confirmed in current written quotations; this article does not forecast savings or guarantee an outcome.
Sources
Common questions
How are sourcing services priced?
You can choose one defined service or combine several stages. Indicative service fees are: Supplier Search & RFQ: USD 199–499 per product or closely related product family; Sample & Prototype Coordination: USD 149–399 per supplier and sample round; Production Follow-up: USD 299–799 per supplier and 30-day production period; Pre-Shipment Inspection Coordination: USD 149–399 per assignment; Complete Project Coordination: 3%–5% of purchase value, subject to an agreed minimum service fee; Equipment and vehicle projects: USD 499–1,499 initiation fee plus a 1%–3% success fee, with a minimum success fee of USD 1,000, and the initiation fee credited against the success fee. The exact scope, deliverables and service fee are confirmed in writing before work begins.
Do you guarantee supplier quality or the lowest price?
Mon helps identify relevant suppliers, organize requirements, compare quotations and coordinate agreed sourcing stages, but does not guarantee the lowest price, supplier performance, product quality, certification, delivery or final project outcome.
What information do I need to start?
A short description and one useful reference—such as a product link, photo, model number, drawing or sample—is enough to begin the conversation. Detailed specifications, quantities, commercial requirements and confidential files can follow by email after initial contact.