Short answer: send every manufacturer the same written brief, then put the answers in one table and compare them line by line. A lower total is only lower if the scope matches. This sheet carries the lines from our quote comparison guide, with a column for how much each line matters to you, a column per manufacturer and a column for the follow-up questions you ask in writing.
The lines on the sheet
| Line | What to check |
|---|---|
| Quantity band quoted | The same quantity band from every manufacturer, because a price at one quantity cannot be compared with a price at another |
| Specification | Size, material, finish, colour, printing method, packaging and branding, all written |
| Minimum order | The figure for your exact size and finish, and whether it changes for one size or colour |
| Lead time | Counted from sample approval, not enquiry, and what would delay it |
| Samples | Paid or free, who pays freight, and whether the cost can be credited to the order |
| Payment | The schedule in writing, including the advance and the balance |
| Shipping | What the price includes, such as ex-works, and who arranges freight |
| Repeat orders | How the approved sample and specification are kept for reorders |
| Legal name on the invoice | The name that will appear on the invoice, in writing |
| Scope matches the brief (yes or no) | Do not compare totals until this is yes for every quote |
How to use it
- Where one quote is silent on a line, ask for the missing line before you compare totals.
- A quote that includes delivery is not comparable with one that is ex-works until you add the freight.
- Score the lines that matter to you rather than the total alone. A first-time brand may weigh the sample terms and the minimum order most; a brand with steady demand may weigh the lead time and repeat-order consistency most. The 1 to 5 scale is yours to define.
- If a supplier agrees something on a call, ask them to confirm it by message, so the written record matches what was agreed.
- If two quotes are close once the scope matches, our guide suggests choosing the one whose answers were clearer and quicker.
ArtzFolio quotes each project in writing and does not publish a list price, so the sheet carries no prices. Typical minimum order and lead time ranges are on the pricing, minimums and lead times page, and your quote confirms them for your brief.
Download the quote comparison sheet (CSV)
Related: how to compare manufacturer quotes, what a private label quote contains, supplier comparison scorecard, RFQ template.
Start an enquiry when your brief is ready; we reply within 1 business day, with questions or a quote.
Sources: how to compare manufacturer quotes [S39]; data/pl-published-terms.csv (pricing, how-it-works and questions pages), as of 2026-11-11 [S11]. As of 2026-11-12. Terms are typical and are confirmed in your written quote.