Look beyond the unit price. Compare technical deviations, testing, documentation and delivery scope before selecting a valve supplier.
Put every quotation on the same basis
Two quotations for the same valve family may cover different configurations. Before comparing totals, create a line-by-line comparison using your original enquiry as the baseline.
Keep the supplier’s exact wording where a requirement is uncertain. Mark an unanswered item as “not confirmed”; do not treat a blank cell as acceptance.
Resolve technical differences first
Compare the offered size, pressure class, materials, seats, connections and operator with the required configuration. For every difference, record whether it is acceptable, needs engineering review or must be revised.
An alternative material or connection is not automatically equivalent. It can affect compatibility with the process or the installation. Request a written explanation and route it to the person responsible for the project specification.
- Match each offered item to your enquiry line number.
- Check body and trim grades separately.
- Compare the complete operator and accessory scope.
- Confirm the drawing dimensions and any site constraints.
Compare inspection and documentation scope
Testing and documents are part of the supply scope. One offer may include only the supplier’s normal documentation while another includes project-specific witness points and material records.
Use a document checklist to compare what will be supplied, when it will be issued and whether approval is required. Resolve missing inspection activities before evaluating the offers as equivalent.
Check delivery and commercial assumptions
Compare the delivery basis, packaging, freight, currency and payment milestones. Ask whether quoted lead time begins at order placement, payment or drawing approval.
For a staged project, identify whether partial shipments are permitted and whether documents must be approved before dispatch. These details can matter more to the installation schedule than a small unit-price difference.
Close the gaps before issuing the order
Create one clarification list for each supplier. When replies arrive, update the comparison and keep the supporting correspondence.
The accepted technical offer, agreed deviations, drawing revision and document list should be traceable to the purchase order. This creates a clearer basis for inspection and acceptance when the valves arrive.