Compare factory quotes side by side, including freight, duty, fees and minimum orders, to see what each supplier really costs.
The lowest quoted price is not always the lowest cost. Freight, duty, one-time fees, minimum order quantities and payment terms can change the answer. This Apparel Search calculator takes two to four supplier quotes, adds those costs to each one, and shows the total landed cost per unit, the difference between suppliers, lead times and the cash needed at order. Everything runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is saved.
Please read: this tool compares the numbers you enter. It does not know your suppliers, their quality or whether a quote is complete. Duty rates, freight and fees must come from your own quotes, forwarder and customs broker. The quality and reliability ratings are your own judgment and are shown only for reference. They are not combined into the cost. The example suppliers and figures are made up. Confirm all terms in writing with each supplier before placing an order.
Your order
Quotes
Fill in at least two suppliers. A supplier with no quoted price is left out. Enter freight, fees and other costs as totals for the whole order.
Comparison
Estimates only. Confirm all prices, duties and fees with your suppliers and forwarder.
How to compare factory quotes
Enter the number of units you need and choose your currency.
For each supplier, enter the quoted unit price, the price terms (FOB, EXW, CIF, DDP), the minimum order and the lead time.
Add the costs the quote leaves out: one-time fees, freight, duty rate and other costs such as broker fees, delivery and inspection.
Read the comparison, check the warnings, and download the result for your records.
How the comparison is calculated, with an example
Formula. Units bought = the greater of units needed and the supplier's minimum. Total landed cost = goods (unit price x units bought) + duty (goods x duty rate) + freight + fees and other costs. Landed cost per unit bought = total / units bought. Cost per unit needed = total / units needed.
Illustrative example (made-up figures). You need 1,000 units. Supplier B quotes the lowest price, $7.10, but its freight and fees are higher, so its cost per unit needed is $11.27. Supplier A quotes $7.65 and comes to $10.70 per unit needed, which is the lowest, $562 less than B over the order. Supplier C quotes $7.40 but has a 1,500-unit minimum, so you would buy 500 extra units. Its total is $14,812, which is $9.87 per unit bought but $14.81 per unit you actually need.
Key terms
Landed cost: the total cost of getting goods to your warehouse, including product, freight, insurance, duties and fees.
Minimum order quantity (MOQ): the smallest quantity a supplier will produce, often per style or color.
FOB, EXW, CIF, DDP: Incoterms that set who pays for and handles each part of the shipment, such as freight, insurance and duty.
Lead time: the days from placing an order to goods being ready or delivered.
Deposit: the share of the order value paid in advance, which affects the cash you need up front.
One-time fees: costs that do not scale with quantity, such as samples, tooling or setup.
HS code: the Harmonized System code that classifies a product for customs and helps determine its duty rate.
Getting the most from the supplier quote comparison
Compare on the same terms. A quote that includes freight and one that does not cannot be compared until both are completed.
Ask for itemized quotes. Separate unit price, tooling, packaging, testing and shipping so nothing is hidden.
Check duty by origin. Duty rates can differ by country of origin, so confirm each one with your customs broker.
Do not decide on price alone. Quality, reliability and lead time matter, which is why the ratings are there. They are your own judgment and are not combined into the cost.
Confirm validity and currency. Check how long a quote is valid and which currency and payment terms apply.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare supplier quotes?
Compare the total landed cost per unit, not just the quoted price. Add freight, duty, fees and minimum order effects to each quote, and make sure the quotes use the same price terms.
What is the difference between FOB, EXW and DDP?
These are Incoterms. EXW (ex works) means you take the goods at the supplier's premises. FOB (free on board) means the supplier delivers the goods onto the vessel at the origin port. DDP (delivered duty paid) means the supplier delivers to your destination with duties paid. Exact responsibilities depend on the agreed wording, so confirm them in writing.
Why is the lowest quoted price not always the cheapest supplier?
Freight, duty, one-time fees, minimum order quantities and payment terms can outweigh a lower unit price. This calculator adds them so the comparison reflects what you actually pay.
What if a supplier's minimum order is more than I need?
You pay for the extra units. The calculator shows both the cost per unit bought and the cost per unit you actually need, so you can compare fairly depending on whether you can sell the extra units.
Related Apparel Search tools
Landed Cost Calculator: add freight, duty and fees, then set wholesale and retail prices.
Garment Cost Sheet: build up the cost of one garment from fabric, trims and labor.
Estimates only. This tool is provided for general planning and informational purposes. Results depend on the information you enter and on assumptions that may not match your suppliers, quotes or shipments. Apparel Search does not guarantee accuracy or completeness of any result. Confirm prices, terms, duties and fees with your suppliers, freight forwarder, customs broker or other qualified professionals before placing an order. See our Legal page for terms of use.