---
title: "Quote comparison"
description: "What is a quote comparison? Supplier offers side by side so buyers can choose one and record why. See what to compare beyond price, with a worked example."
url: https://1flux.ai/glossary/quote-comparison
last_updated: 2026-10-10
---

[Procurement and inventory](https://1flux.ai/glossary#procurement-and-inventory)

# Quote comparison

What is a quote comparison, and why isn't the cheapest unit price always the best offer?

Glossary Updated 10 October 2026

Definition

A quote comparison is a side-by-side review of supplier quotations for the same requirement, used to choose who to buy from and record why.

## What is a quote comparison used for?

The cheapest unit price isn’t always the best offer. Buyers compare price, currency, lead time, validity, payment terms and specification, then award each line to a supplier. Many companies require a minimum number of quotes above a spend level and a written reason when the lowest offer isn’t chosen, which gives auditors a clear trail.

Three offers for the same item

Example

- Supplier A

  EUR 410 · 21 days

- Supplier B

  EUR 395 · 21 days

- Supplier C

  EUR 402 · 5 days

Awarded

Supplier C

Reason recorded: delivers in 5 days instead of 21, for 2% more than the lowest offer.

Comparisons get harder when quotes arrive in different currencies. The awarded offers become [purchase orders](https://1flux.ai/glossary/purchase-order).

In 1flux

Compare offers shows suppliers side by side with a “Best” badge on the lowest valid price. Buyers award each line with a reason, and awards become draft purchase orders, one per supplier. [See requisitions and quote comparison](https://1flux.ai/products/purchasing/requisitions)

Related

## Keep exploring

### [Request for quotation](https://1flux.ai/glossary/request-for-quotation)

A request asking suppliers to price specific items and terms.

### [Purchase requisition](https://1flux.ai/glossary/purchase-requisition)

An internal request to buy, approved before a supplier is contacted.

### [Purchase order](https://1flux.ai/glossary/purchase-order)

A buyer's formal, numbered order to a supplier.

### [Requisitions and quote comparison](https://1flux.ai/products/purchasing/requisitions)

Requisitions with a purpose, RFQ PDFs, recorded quotes and awards with a reason.

Last updated 10 October 2026