Normalise the scope first
Put every quotation onto the same item schedule and mark exclusions, assumptions and substitutions against each line. Differences in scope explain most of the price gap before quality is even discussed.
Check what is being substituted
A quotation that switches hardware brand, fabric grade or board core will always be cheaper. That is a legitimate option, but only when it is visible and priced as an alternative.
Compare on landed cost
Ex works prices from different countries are not comparable. Freight, packing, duty and insurance move the ranking regularly, and so does the volume a product occupies in a container.
- Ex works price
- Packing and export crating
- Freight and insurance to the destination
- Duty and clearance
- Storage and inland delivery
Test the programme claim
Ask what the lead time assumes about material availability and factory loading. A programme that assumes immediate release of every material is not a programme, it is a hope.