Electronic Component Distributor Quote Comparison Worksheet
Quotes arrive in different formats, at different quantity breaks and with different lead times. This worksheet puts them in one grid so the real price spread is visible before you place an order.
| Manufacturer part number | Qty | Distributor A price | Distributor B price | Distributor C price | Lowest price | Spread high vs low | Lead time A (wks) | Lead time B (wks) | Lead time C (wks) | Spend at lowest price | Spend at highest price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$3 | 12.4% | $14,900 | $16,750 | |||||||||
$1 | 7.1% | $8,400 | $9,000 | |||||||||
$3 | 9.2% | $9,750 | $10,650 | |||||||||
$0 | 12.1% | $2,900 | $3,250 |
Enter the price at the quantity break that matches the quantity you intend to buy. Lead time 0 means stock on hand. Lowest price is not automatically the best choice: consider lead time, minimum order, cancellation terms and channel authorization before awarding.
Compare quotes from ERP data
Optional: we can show how purchase history and open quotes can feed a comparison view.
Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.
How to use it
Enter each part once with the quantity you intend to buy, then the unit price each distributor quoted at that quantity. Enter lead time in weeks, using zero for stock on hand. The sheet picks the lowest price, shows the spread between highest and lowest and totals the spend at each. Use the summary to see the maximum saving from shopping the order around, which is a number you can show a manager when asking for time to quote.
- Compare prices at the same quantity break only
- Check the standard pack, since buying to pack may change the price
- Leave a price blank only if you also remove the column from min()
- Keep the quote reference in your file for audit
Reading the spread
A spread under a few percent usually means the market is stable and you should award on lead time and service. A large spread signals that one supplier holds cheap stock, or that a quote is from a less reliable channel. Be careful with a very low outlier on a scarce part: check that the supplier is authorized, and pair this sheet with a counterfeit risk review before buying.
Beyond unit price
Landed cost includes freight, duties, handling charges and any minimum order fee. Payment terms and cancellation rights also carry cost. If one supplier ships complete from stock and another needs a factory order with a cancellation penalty, the safer award may carry a higher unit price. Record the reasoning with the award so future buyers understand it.
Common mistakes
Mistakes include mixing currencies, comparing a reel price with a cut tape price, not noting tariffs or freight, and awarding to the lowest price without checking the date code and traceability. When two suppliers tie on price, split the order if your volume allows, to keep both relationships active.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many distributors should I compare?
Three is practical for most orders. More adds effort without much new information unless the part is scarce. For high-spend lines, ask the manufacturer for a direct quote as well.
Why is my total at lowest prices not achievable?
Because splitting every line across suppliers adds freight and handling. Treat the total as a ceiling on savings, then group lines by supplier and recompute with shipping before awarding.
Should I compare cut tape and reel prices?
Compare like with like. Reel prices are usually lower per piece but require buying the full reel. Use the reel and MOQ calculator on this site to see the cost of any excess.
Can I add a fourth supplier?
After exporting to Excel you can add columns. In the browser sheet, use the notes column in your file to capture a fourth quote or replace the highest priced supplier's column.
Netray can help pull quotes and purchase history from your ERP into one comparison view, leaving the award decision with your buyer.
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