sourcing · 5 min read
How to compare fabric quotes properly
A quote is a small document with a lot of assumptions inside it. Two quotes for the same fabric can differ by 30% and both be correct, because they are quoting different things.
By Weft Bridge · Reviewed by our Guangzhou sourcing team · Updated 2026-11
The five things to check
| Field | Why it changes the answer |
|---|---|
| Unit | Per metre, per yard or per kilogram — never compare across units |
| Width | 150 cm and 160 cm are different products for costing |
| Weight basis | Greige weight versus finished weight; finishing moves it 5–10% |
| Incoterm | Ex-works, FOB and CIF include different costs |
| MOQ and surcharges | Small-lot surcharge, lab dip fee, dyeing surcharge for dark shades |
What is usually excluded
- Lab dip and sample charges.
- Freight, insurance and destination charges.
- Duties and taxes.
- Testing and inspection, unless stated.
- Packing upgrades: rolls, pallets, desiccant.
How to compare properly
Convert everything to the same unit and the same width, then add the excluded costs. The cheapest quote often becomes the most expensive once the surcharges and the freight are in.
Ask for a quote in a fixed format: unit, width, weight, MOQ, lead time, incoterm, validity, and what is excluded. A supplier who cannot fill that in is telling you something.
FAQ
How long should a quote be valid?
Fourteen days is normal for fabric, because yarn and dye prices move. Anything longer is a guess.
Should I ask for a price per garment?
Useful as a sanity check, but always keep the fabric price per unit as the contract number.