| Kit contents | Ask for an itemized list covering the strapping tool, strap, seals or buckles, dispenser (if included), spare parts, and instructions. | Compare equivalent kits—not just the headline price. Identify any components listed as optional or sold separately. | Confirm the quoted quantity and specification of every component match the intended packing process. |
| Strap compatibility | Confirm strap material, width, thickness, core dimensions, and whether the tool is designed for the specified strap type. | Check compatibility across the tool, strap, and seals. A lower-priced tool is not a comparable offer if it requires different consumables. | Request written specifications and, where practical, a sample strap and seal for a packing trial. |
| Tool performance and power | For manual tools, request the supported strap range and operating method. For powered tools, confirm voltage, plug type, battery configuration, and charger details. | Compare the same tool type and operating requirements. Include any separately priced batteries, chargers, or accessories. | Check that the equipment is suitable for the buyer’s work environment and available power supply. |
| Price basis and MOQ | Request unit price, minimum order quantity (MOQ), price breaks, currency, and whether the quote covers a complete kit or individual components. | Calculate the total cost for the same order quantity and kit configuration. Record tooling, sample, setup, and packaging charges separately. | Ask whether the stated price is conditional on a specific quantity, payment term, or packaging specification. |
| Quote validity and payment | Request the quote issue date, validity period, payment schedule, accepted payment method, and any bank or transaction charges. | Compare the total payable amount and payment milestones, not only the unit price. | Have the final specification, quantity, currency, and named Incoterms® 2020 rule recorded in the purchase documents. |
| Production lead time | Ask for the estimated time from order confirmation and agreed payment or deposit to goods being ready for dispatch. | Separate production time from sample approval, packaging, inspection, and transport time. Do not treat an estimate as a guaranteed dispatch date unless agreed in writing. | Confirm how the supplier defines “ready for dispatch” and what events could change the schedule. |
| Stock availability | For stock items, request confirmation of the available quantity, location, and date the stock can be released. | Distinguish physically available stock from planned production or unverified inventory. | Ask for a dated stock confirmation if the order depends on immediate availability. |
| Inspection and quality records | Agree on the inspection scope, sampling method, acceptance criteria, and who pays for any third-party inspection. | Compare what each quotation actually includes; inspection, testing, or certificates should not be assumed to be included. | Define how nonconforming goods will be documented and handled before placing the order. |
| Export packing and shipment data | Request the number of cartons, carton dimensions, gross and net weights, and pallet details if applicable. | Use the same packing information when comparing freight quotations. Final freight costs can depend on shipment dimensions, weight, route, and service. | Confirm the packing is appropriate for the chosen transport mode and destination requirements. |
| Transit time and delivery estimate | Request the proposed transport mode, route or service, estimated transit time, and whether the estimate excludes customs clearance or final delivery. | Compare transit time separately from production lead time. Route, carrier schedules, customs procedures, and local delivery affect the overall timeline. | Ask for the shipment’s expected departure and arrival milestones rather than relying on a single door-to-door estimate. |
| EXW — named place | Under Incoterms® 2020, the seller makes the goods available at the named place; the buyer generally arranges collection and bears most transport responsibilities from there. | A low EXW price does not include the buyer’s onward transport costs. Export-clearance arrangements should be checked carefully. | Confirm the exact collection address and who will handle export clearance and loading arrangements. |
| FCA — named place | The seller delivers the goods, cleared for export, to the buyer’s nominated carrier at the agreed place. Delivery and risk transfer depend on the named place. | Compare FCA offers using the same named place and clarify whether the price includes delivery to that point. | State the precise delivery point. If delivery occurs at the seller’s premises, the seller loads the goods onto the buyer’s collecting vehicle under FCA. |
| FOB — named port of shipment | FOB is for sea or inland waterway transport. The seller delivers the goods on board the vessel at the named port; risk transfers when the goods are on board. | Compare the same named port and confirm which origin charges are included. FOB is not intended for every transport mode or containerized shipment. | For container shipments handed to a carrier before loading on board, ask whether FCA is more appropriate for the transaction. |
| CIF — named port of destination | CIF is for sea or inland waterway transport. The seller pays freight and obtains the minimum insurance cover required by CIF, but risk transfers when the goods are on board at the shipment port. | Do not treat the destination port named in CIF as the point where risk transfers. Check the insurance cover and destination charges. | Request the insurance details and confirm whether the cover suits the cargo and the buyer’s risk requirements. |
| CIP — named place of destination | Under Incoterms® 2020, CIP can be used for any mode of transport. The seller arranges carriage and insurance to the named destination; risk transfers when goods are handed to the first carrier. | Compare the named destination and insurance terms. The destination named for paid carriage is not necessarily the point where risk transfers. | Check the insurance certificate and confirm the precise handover point to the first carrier. |
| DAP / DDP — named destination | Under DAP, the seller delivers to the named destination ready for unloading; the buyer generally handles import clearance. Under DDP, the seller is responsible for import clearance and applicable import duties and taxes. | Compare what is included at destination, including unloading, import clearance, duties, taxes, and any local charges. | Before accepting DDP, confirm the seller can legally and practically complete import formalities in the destination country. |
| Insurance, duties, and title | Incoterms® rules allocate specified delivery, cost, and risk responsibilities; they do not by themselves determine ownership/title or payment terms. | Keep the Incoterm, named place or port, and “Incoterms® 2020” edition explicit in the contract or purchase order. | Confirm separately who arranges any additional insurance, import permits, duties, taxes, and destination services not covered by the agreed rule. |
| Final landed-cost comparison | Build a like-for-like estimate using product cost, origin handling, main freight, insurance where required, destination charges, customs clearance, duties, taxes, and inland delivery. | Use the same kit specification, quantity, destination, transport mode, and delivery scope for every supplier quotation. | Freight and lead-time figures are route- and service-dependent; verify current charges and schedules with the responsible supplier or logistics provider. |
