Cost & Sourcing
How to Compare Cable Assembly Quotes on a Like-for-Like Basis
Two cable assembly prices are comparable only when they cover the same revision, components, manufacturing steps, tests, records, packaging, quantity, and delivery scope. Build a normalization sheet first; then compare price, risk, and open assumptions.
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Decision summary
What to carry into the decision
- Freeze one drawing and BOM revision before asking suppliers to explain price differences.
- Move tooling, NRE, qualification, packaging, freight, duties, and taxes out of the unit-price shadow.
- Treat every blank, allowance, and proposed equivalent as an open assumption until it is resolved in writing.
- Compare the total quoted scope and risk, not a single headline number.
In this guide
- 1Begin with one controlled comparison baseline
- 2Normalize the technical scope
- 3Separate recurring and non‑recurring costs
- 4Compare delivery and landed scope
- 5Score assumptions and program risk
- 6Common quote‑comparison mistakes
Use the sections in sequence, then turn the open items into one controlled build or sourcing package.
Begin with one controlled comparison baseline
Put the drawing revision, BOM revision, quantity scenario, requested delivery period, destination, and currency date at the top of the comparison. If a supplier quoted from a different revision or an incomplete package, mark the quote as not yet comparable.
List every authorized deviation beside the baseline. A verbal understanding about a connector, cable material, test, label, or package can easily disappear when the quote moves into purchasing or production.
Normalize the technical scope
Use one row for each scope decision. Ask for a written clarification when the quotation uses a family name or general phrase instead of a controlled item.
| Components | Wire or cable construction, connector and terminal manufacturer part numbers, seals, locks, labels, protection, and no-substitution items. |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Cutting, stripping, crimping, soldering, routing, overmolding, assembly, marking, inspection, and packing steps included. |
| Testing | Method, fixture, values, limits, frequency, retest or failure handling, and record format. |
| Configuration | Drawing and BOM revision, accepted deviations, sample status, and any temporary build assumption. |
Separate recurring and non-recurring costs
Keep production unit scope separate from tooling, fixtures, setup, sample builds, programming, engineering work, and qualification activities. Record who owns each tool, where it will be held, what maintenance is included, and whether the cost repeats after a revision.
If a supplier amortizes a one-time cost into unit price, record the quantity and period used. Otherwise a low-volume and a repeat-production quotation can appear inconsistent even when the underlying total is similar.
Compare delivery and landed scope
A quotation should identify the named Incoterms rule and place, packing assumption, shipment size or cadence, destination, freight inclusion, insurance if applicable, and which party handles import classification, duties, taxes, brokerage, and destination charges.
- Record the exact named place beside the Incoterms rule.
- Keep freight and customs assumptions dated because they can change during quote validity.
- Check whether export packing, labels, commercial documents, and requested shipment records are included.
- Do not combine a factory-gate price with a delivered price in the same unit-cost ranking.
Score assumptions and program risk
Add a simple status to each line: matched, clarified, alternate proposed, excluded, or open. Then score the effect of each open item on fit, validation, sourcing, tooling, testing, launch, or delivery.
| Matched | The quote names the same controlled input and scope. |
|---|---|
| Clarified | The supplier explained the interpretation and it agrees with the required baseline. |
| Alternate proposed | A different item or method is visible and awaits technical and commercial disposition. |
| Excluded or open | The line is outside scope or lacks enough information; price comparison remains provisional. |
Common quote-comparison mistakes
The most common errors are comparing different revisions, treating a connector family as a complete part number, overlooking test frequency, mixing tool custody with tool cost, and ranking prices before checking packaging and delivery terms.
A good comparison sheet makes differences visible. It does not force unlike quotes into one total or assume that silence means inclusion.