Compare a defined workload. Keep fixed, estimated, optional and not-yet-confirmed charges separate.
Distinguish parcels, items and actions
A parcel can contain several items. One item can require several actions, such as inspection, repacking and release. Ask which unit each charge uses and whether the first item and additional items are treated differently. Keep expected quantities separate from actual receipts.
Make the inspection scope comparable
Confirm whether the price covers a visual check, accessories, packaging, photographs, reporting or an agreed functional test. Record sampling versus item-by-item scope. A receiving-only quote and a functional-inspection quote cover different work even when both use a per-item price.
Include storage and the final shipment
Ask when storage starts, which unit and period are charged, and whether minimum billing or account charges apply. Check packaging materials, consolidation work and outbound transport separately. Freight needs the final packed weight, dimensions, destination and receiving requirements; incomplete information should remain an estimate.
Agree how changes are authorised
Record the quote currency, units, validity and inclusions. Identify taxes, customs or destination charges that still need confirmation. If an inspection creates a need for extra work, agree who approves it and how the revised scope is recorded before that work begins. This guide provides no tariff or automatic total.
Before you authorise the work
- Do all quotes use the same parcel, item and action counts?
- Are inspection coverage, evidence and packaging included?
- Are storage start, billing period and minimums explicit?
- Which charges are fixed, estimates, optional or awaiting information?