Start with one comparison row per item
For a hotel or multi-room project, connect every quotation line to the same room schedule or item code. Do not combine unlike sofas, chairs, tables or case goods into one “furniture” total. Keep the reference image or drawing beside the specification so both sides are discussing the same design intent.
| Compare this field | Write down for each offer | Clarify before comparing |
|---|---|---|
| Item identity | Room or SKU code, product type, quantity and reference drawing | Are both quotations pricing the same revision and quantity? |
| Dimensions | Finished length, width and height, units, and any tolerance stated | Are dimensions final, indicative, or subject to a sample? |
| Materials and build | Frame or core, visible surfaces, upholstery, hardware and construction notes | Which details are confirmed, proposed, or still unspecified? |
| Finish and colour | Finish reference, colour code or physical sample reference | Is the quotation based on a confirmed sample or a visual reference only? |
| Included components | Cushions, accessories, fittings, assembly parts and spare pieces | Are any items shown in a reference image excluded from the price? |
| Packing and marks | Protection, carton assumptions, item labels and room or SKU marks | Does the packing plan suit storage, handling and the destination? |
| Price basis | Currency, unit, quantity break, quote validity and named exclusions | Are tooling, samples, packing, freight, duties or other charges separate? |
| Delivery and milestones | Named destination or handover point, timing assumptions and approval stages | What event starts the stated lead time, and what is not included? |
Normalize the scope before comparing totals
- Match the revision. Confirm that every supplier used the same drawing, room schedule, finish reference and quantity list. Note any unanswered field rather than silently filling it in.
- Separate confirmed details from assumptions. Mark each line “confirmed,” “proposed,” “excluded,” or “to be confirmed.” This makes the remaining decision visible to everyone.
- Compare like with like. Use the same unit and quantity for each item. Keep product value separate from samples, special packing, freight, duties and other services unless a written quotation explicitly combines them.
- Record sample and approval steps. State which finish, dimensions, construction or revision must be reviewed, who approves it, and how any later change will be recorded.
- Confirm the written order scope. Before payment, compare the approved quotation or pro forma invoice with the seller identity, beneficiary, item list, amount, delivery basis and agreed milestones. See VOBOM’s order and payment verification checklist.
Use a short clarification list
Instead of asking “Can you reduce the price?”, send a focused list of differences. For example: “Please confirm whether the quoted chair includes the specified upholstery and hardware; identify any packing or delivery charges excluded; and reissue the total using the attached room schedule and quantity.” That gives each party a concrete scope to answer without implying that an unconfirmed feature is already included.
Keep the comparison sheet factual. Do not rank an offer as “best quality” unless the construction, samples or inspection evidence supports that conclusion. If the specification is incomplete, show the open question and compare only the fields that are actually confirmed.
Questions buyers often ask
Should I compare furniture prices before approving samples?
You can compare preliminary prices, but label them as preliminary when dimensions, materials or finish are not fixed. Ask each supplier to identify the assumptions used, then update the comparison when the sample or specification is approved.
What if the room schedule is not final?
Share the current version with a revision date and mark quantities or dimensions that may change. Ask for the impact of those changes to be stated separately; do not treat an estimate based on an older schedule as a final order value.
Does a furniture quotation automatically include delivery?
No. Check the written quotation for the named destination or handover point, packing basis, freight scope and any duties or other charges. If the document is unclear, request a revised, itemized scope before approval.
Prepare a comparable furniture brief
VOBOM coordinates sourcing enquiries across furniture and other buying desks; the responsible seller, specifications, commercial terms and delivery scope are confirmed in writing for each order. To start, share the project type, room schedule, dimensions, finish references, quantity and destination through the furniture sourcing page or contact form. Missing details can be listed as open questions rather than guessed.
Buyer-planning guide only. It is not a supplier quotation, product specification, customer testimonial or promise of a particular price, delivery time or outcome.