# How do you compare supplier replies on the same RFQ basis?

Keep each supplier reply beside the same version of your requirement. Compare the quoted variant, quantity, unit, currency, included charges and delivery basis before comparing totals. Mark missing or differently scoped lines rather than treating them as free. A reply can still need clarification, and no response remains no response. The worksheet does not obtain quotes or make the proposed RFQ service purchasable.

Materially updated: 2026-10-16

## When to use this checklist

Use this when two or more supplier replies need comparison. Compare the same requirement revision, quantity, currency and unit; record unanswered lines instead of choosing the smallest number in unlike offers.

Editorial decision aid: this does not obtain quotations, contact suppliers or approve product conformity.

## Minimum buyer brief

Reply reference and timestamp; exact requirement version; price basis; included/excluded costs; unresolved lines.

| Field | Buyer input | Evidence check | Reject or unknown |
|---|---|---|---|
| brief revision | Reference the same product requirement version in every reply column. | A reply must identify its variant or list exceptions. | Different revisions are not directly comparable. |
| supplier reply/date | Link a dated supplier statement, not a seller listing screenshot. | Retain who replied and the quoted scope without exposing private contacts. | No response is not a zero-price offer. |
| quantity/unit | Record quoted quantity, unit and pack conversion. | Compare an identical order basis or flag the difference. | Unknown contents prevent a per-piece calculation. |
| currency and included charges | Keep unit price, currency and each included/excluded line distinct. | Separate tooling, freight and taxes only where actually stated. | Missing cost lines stay UNKNOWN, not free. |
| validity and lead-time basis | Record validity date and stated lead-time starting event. | A production estimate and dispatch date are different claims. | Do not reset an expired quotation date or invent delivery timing. |

## Exclude or resolve

Reject different brief revisions as like-for-like; do not fill absent freight/tax with zero or turn a listing into a supplier reply.

## Questions to copy into a supplier enquiry

Does this reply cover the same variant and quantity? Which charges are excluded? Until when and from which trigger is it valid?

## Evidence and price basis

BUYER_STATED is explicit buyer input; SOURCE_OBSERVED is a dated source; DERIVED is labeled interpretation. OBSERVED does not mean SUPPLIER_CONFIRMED. Missing facts remain UNKNOWN; TO_CONFIRM describes the next question. Preserve currency, unit, quantity tier, SKU and date; a listing is not a supplier-confirmed quote. Never infer stock, MOQ waivers or certification.

## References and limits

- [Current free discovery and v4 public resource](https://api.seekapi.ai/mcp): Runtime mode admission and same public sample only; no new purchase or supplier facts.
- [ICC Incoterms2020 overview](https://iccwbo.org/business-solutions/incoterms-rules/incoterms-2020/): Allocation of delivery obligations/costs/risk under named rules; no duty, tax, freight price or legal compliance determination.

## Continue

[Parent sourcing library](/sourcing) · [Related category](/china-supply-check/listing-price-vs-quote) · [Human: review a free image brief](/china-supply-check#image-supply-check) · [Agent: free discovery and preparation](/for-agents#china-supply-check-mcp) · [Runnable free SDK examples](/for-agents#free-quickstart) · [Public sample](/china-supply-check/sample)

Preparation does not purchase or contact suppliers. Image Stripe USD 2.99 and text/model x402 2.99 USDC are separate paid routes; image x402 and text/model Stripe are OFF in the dated observation. Check live admission. The proposed $19.90 RFQ service is not open for purchase.