Seven questions for any supplier
Ask these questions consistently. The answers provide a clearer comparison than a price figure alone.
- Which grade, standard, and delivery condition are you offering?
- What exact form, nominal size, length, and tolerance does the quote cover?
- Is the proposed material the requested grade or an alternative that needs approval?
- What documentation, including MTC traceability where required, can be confirmed for this order?
- Is the quoted quantity available from stock, or does it require a purchase-order supply route?
- What delivery location, timing, packaging, and commercial assumptions are included?
- Which information must be fixed before the supplier can issue a final, checkable quotation?
Evaluate answers against the part—not the sales language
A good answer is specific, written, and connected to the requirement. It identifies what is confirmed, what needs approval, and what remains subject to a live availability or document check. It does not rely on unsupported claims or leave grade and delivery assumptions implicit.
If two quotations differ, list the difference in grade, form, condition, size, documentation, quantity, delivery, and lead-time terms before comparing cost.
Put the approved answers into the order record
Once the technical and commercial path is agreed, carry the material description and document requirement into the purchase order. This helps purchasing, receiving, and production work from the same order scope.
Frequently asked questions
Should I ask every supplier the same questions?+
Yes. A consistent checklist makes quotations easier to compare and reduces the risk that one supplier is quoting a materially different product or delivery condition.
Can a supplier offer an alternative grade?+
A supplier may propose an available alternative, but it should be submitted to the buyer’s engineering and quality approval process before it is accepted for the component.
What if I do not have a material specification?+
Describe the component, process, dimensions, loading or service context, and any known requirement. Use the discussion to identify what your engineering or quality team needs to define before ordering.
Start with the specification that matters
Send the grade, shape, diameter or section size, quantity, and delivery location via WhatsApp. CV Tanamas can help you check the relevant supply path before you issue a purchase order.