Fictional learning scenario: The buyer, candidates and prices below illustrate a decision method. They are not current market prices, real transactions or savings promised by FindBao. A buyer wants a 500 mL stainless-steel vacuum bottle and plans a 1,000-unit trial. The reference appearance is similar, yet three quoted unit prices differ.
Fix one comparison basis
The buyer records inner and outer steel grades, capacity tolerance, lid and seal design, insulation test method, finish, retail box, master carton, labeling and destination. The RFQ asks for MOQ, quantity behind each unit price, tooling or artwork fees, samples, testing, lead time, payment, trade terms and exclusions. Unknown terms remain open, not assumed equal.
Normalize the three replies
| Candidate | Illustrative quote | Why it is not directly comparable |
|---|---|---|
| A | USD 4.80 per unit; MOQ 1,000; color box included, market testing excluded. | Material, insulation method and testing costs need confirmation. |
| B | USD 3.70 per unit; MOQ 5,000; plain box, with extra cost for appearance changes. | The trial quantity misses MOQ; packing and artwork are extra. |
| C | USD 4.25 per unit; MOQ 1,000; color box included, but no trade term stated. | Delivery point, freight responsibility and payment remain unclear. |
B’s lowest number buys a different quantity and package. C omits the delivery boundary. No credible like-for-like total can yet be calculated, so the buyer should not claim a percentage saving.
Send a second-round RFQ
All candidates receive the same specification and 1,000-unit trial quantity. The buyer requests separate prices for color boxes, testing and appearance changes, plus named trade terms and delivery points. If B can only produce 5,000 units, it can propose staggered deliveries, a stock model or another trial route. Samples are then recorded for capacity, lid seal, insulation, finish and packing damage.
Decision record and responsibilities
The output compares the same specification, quantity, packing and delivery boundary, with an owner for every open item. Choosing a higher unit price can be justified by quantity, lead time or risk if recorded explicitly. FindBao may support inquiries and quote comparison; buyers separately arrange material tests, contracts, payments, inspections and freight.