Comparing quotations and choosing a supplier

Compare the same requirement

A quotation is useful only when you understand what it covers. Before ranking suppliers by price, check that each quotation addresses the same product, specification, quantity and delivery requirement.

On ATP, approved buying requests are sent to suppliers in matching sectors and sub-sectors. Suppliers quote inside the portal. Product-page enquiries also remain in portal messaging, where email addresses and phone numbers are hidden.

Keep clarifications in those conversations. If the requirement changes, ask each shortlisted supplier to confirm its quotation against the revised version. Comparing an old quote with a new specification can produce a misleading decision.

Start with technical suitability

Identify mandatory conditions and mark each supplier as meeting them, differing from them or needing clarification. Check materials, dimensions, performance, compatibility, packaging and any product-specific requirements.

A proposed substitute may be useful, but it should not be silently treated as the requested item. Ask for the differences and assess whether they are acceptable. Where needed, request samples, technical data or independent inspection through arrangements agreed directly with the supplier.

Do not assume that a certificate covers the exact model, manufacturing site or batch in the quotation. Review its issuer, scope and validity. ATP account approval does not establish product certification or suitability for your intended use.

Build a simple comparison sheet

Use one row per supplier and compare:

• Offered product and specification deviations.
• Quantity, unit, MOQ and packaging.
• Unit price, total price and currency.
• Freight, insurance and other included or excluded charges.
• Lead time, delivery milestone and quote validity.
• Payment method and timing.
• Inspection, acceptance, warranty and returns proposals.

Add a column for unanswered questions. A blank field is not an included service. If one quote includes transport and another does not, obtain a comparable basis before judging the difference.

Understand total cost and responsibility

A low product price can be offset by packaging, freight, insurance, clearance or other costs. Check which costs are relevant to your route and product with the appropriate advisers. Do not assume one standard duty or tax treatment applies across all GCC destinations.

If the quotation uses an Incoterms rule, check the named place and version. Understand both the cost allocation and the point at which transport risk changes. A supplier paying freight does not always mean it carries risk until arrival.

ATP does not calculate or collect the payment for your trade. It does not buy, sell, stock or deliver products. The commercial agreement remains directly between the businesses.

Assess the supplier behind the quotation

Review the supplier’s business identity, actual supply role and relevant experience. Distinguish a manufacturer from a distributor or trader. Ask who will fulfil the order and which business will issue the contract and invoice.

Supplier directory country is not necessarily product origin. Where origin matters, obtain supporting information for the offered goods. Independently verify important claims through appropriate official or issuing sources rather than relying only on a profile or attached image.

Every ATP supplier and buyer account is reviewed and approved before full access. The exact verification checks are [TO CONFIRM], so do not infer a credit assessment or factory audit from approval alone.

Negotiate specific points and confirm the result

Ask for improvements on defined terms, such as packaging, schedule or an inspection arrangement. Avoid pressing for a reduction without understanding which specification or service might change.

Before agreeing, identify the final quotation and record all accepted revisions. Confirm the contracting entities, product, quantity, price, currency, payment, delivery and returns directly. Ask your own advisers about contract and regulatory requirements relevant to the transaction.

Deals are tracked through New, Replied, Quotation Sent, Negotiating, Deal Agreed and Closed. These stages organise the discussion; they do not prove payment or delivery. ATP earns only annual subscriptions and takes no commission on trade.

Next step: Review suppliers by country and business profile.