Supplier quote comparison checklist

Check the comparison basis first

1. Use the latest received quotation from each supplier and keep its supplier name with the file.
2. Confirm every file has an item identifier (SKU or item code) and a unit price; map files independently when headers differ.
3. Check units before comparing: a price per box is not directly comparable with a price per piece.
4. Check currencies before treating a lower number as a lower cost. Resolve mismatches explicitly instead of assuming a conversion.
5. Map quantities when you need basket totals; otherwise compare valid unit prices item by item.
6. Review single-offer items, missing prices, duplicate identifiers and ambiguous matches separately from valid comparisons.

Do not compare unlike offers

If Supplier A quotes $12 per box and Supplier B quotes $2 per piece, neither number alone identifies a winner. The same applies when quotations use different currencies or only one supplier offered an item. Keep these exceptions visible, then compare rows that share a valid basis.

Where this workflow fits

Use this after receiving CSV or XLSX supplier quotations and before comparing prices by item. CostRift identifies lowest valid comparable prices, ties, single-offer items, and unit or currency mismatches. It is not an RFQ workflow, tender evaluation, approval workflow or technical assessment. For the manual method, see comparing supplier quotes in Excel. For the terminology commonly used in India, see comparative statement of quotations.