The first step in comparing cabinet quotations is not subtracting one total from another. It is checking whether both suppliers answered the same question. If the drawing revision, quantity, specification or delivery term is different, the totals are not genuinely comparable.
Build a like-for-like comparison sheet
| Comparison point | Supplier A | Supplier B | Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drawing and BOQ revision | Revision/date | Revision/date | Exactly the same? |
| Cabinet and back panels | Core, thickness, surface | Core, thickness, surface | Equivalent grade? |
| Door fronts | Construction, thickness, colour | Construction, thickness, colour | The same process? |
| Hardware | Brand, model, quantity | Brand, model, quantity | “Soft close” is not a model |
| Countertops and accessories | Included/excluded | Included/excluded | Thickness, cut-outs and installation |
| Packing and delivery | Method and Incoterm | Method and Incoterm | Same delivery point? |
Check quantities as carefully as unit prices
A low unit price may hide a missing quantity, an older drawing revision or excluded internal fittings. Match each quotation line to the BOQ product number and confirm that every room, cabinet group and special component has a clear place in the price.
Mark three categories separately
- Provisional items: the specification is not frozen and the amount will be recalculated;
- Options: the buyer may add or remove them, so they should not be buried in the base total;
- Exclusions: items handled by the buyer, local installer or another supplier.
Include the total project cost, not only the purchase price
A lower factory price does not guarantee a lower installed cost. Weak packing can cause damage; unclear labels can hold up installers; omitted parts may need air freight; drawing errors can create rework. Add columns for possible site cost and replacement-part response when comparing suppliers.
Review payment and after-sales arrangements last
Payment milestones affect risk on both sides. The order should also explain what photos and numbers are needed for a replacement request, who pays the freight and how normal replacement timing is handled. When prices are close, clear documents, controlled revisions, traceable packing and practical issue response are often worth more than a small unit-rate difference.
A simple decision sequence
- Remove quotations with incomplete scope or unclear specifications;
- put the remaining comparable items into one sheet;
- decide whether each price difference is justified by a useful specification or service;
- make the final decision using total project cost, communication quality and delivery risk.
Quotation File Checklist 
Drawing & BOQ Preparation 
Drawing Preparation Guide