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Notes about quotes

It is best to invite at least three quotes from various suppliers to obtain a fair and competitive price. If you are working in a new area, you may like to try an additional supplier from the local area for an extra quote. If you have more than three suppliers interested in quoting you may like to ask for additional quotes.

Photo of a builder and supplier. The supplier says, 'Yeah, I got a quote and it sounds really good.' The builder says, 'Hey, what if it changes? You're going to need that quote in writing.'Your invitation to quote should always be in writing as you will need to check what the quote is, based on the contract documentation. It also makes it easier to compare quotes.

Photo of a site supervisor holding a quote from the opposition.Many building companies will provide the site supervisor with lists of timber and all the other components along with the quotes received. However, they will also give the site supervisor the responsibility of looking at other quotes from the local neighbourhood or from sales representatives that call at the site.

Photo of a builder, the usual supplier and a new supplier. The usual supplier says 'We risk losing them. How can we win back their business?'Most builders will invite quotes from local suppliers to 'test the market' and make price comparisons, however the supply and delivery dates must be guaranteed.

Photo of a builder, the usual supplier and a new supplier. The usual supplier says 'We risk losing them. How can we win back their business?'Generally a builder will stay with the main supplier. However if the project is in a new area then a local supplier may be given the job. This can serve as an indicator to the main supplier to 'sharpen their pencil' and not to become too complacent! Also if the job is in a new area the builder must allow for some purchasing to be made locally as most jobs need little bits here and there.

You may wish to download a sample window quote (Word 282 KB) for a small residential project.