Buyer Intent · 6 min read

How to Read a Stainless Steel Quotation

Two quotes with the same total number can mean very different things — here's what to actually check line by line.

Stainless steel material quotation reference sample

What a proper quote should specify

  • Grade (304, 316, etc.) — should be named explicitly, not implied
  • Finish — mirror, hairline, PVD colour, etc.
  • Dimensions/quantity — precise sizes or running length, not a vague estimate
  • Material vs. labour breakdown — for fabricated items, are you paying for raw material, fabrication, and installation separately or as one lump figure?
  • Delivery/installation timeline
  • GST — included or added separately?

Red flags when comparing quotes

A much lower quote with no grade/finish specified isn't automatically a better deal — it may simply be quoting a lower grade or thinner material without saying so. Compare quotes only after confirming they're specifying the same thing.

What to ask if something's unclear

"Is this INR per foot, per piece, or for the whole job?" and "Is GST included?" resolve most of the confusion buyers run into. A legitimate supplier answers both without hesitation.

See our pricing guide for how the underlying cost is actually built.

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