Compare stone quotations by scope, specification and the point at which costs are measured. A material price, a price delivered to port and a fully installed project price cover different work. Neither the supplier’s business model nor the lowest unit rate proves which quotation offers the best overall value.
Start with one specification
Give each supplier the same material reference, finish, dimensions, quantity, fabrication details and delivery destination. State which requirements are fixed and which alternatives may be proposed. Keep assumptions visible so a change in material or scope is not mistaken for a saving.
Build a quotation comparison sheet
| Cost area | Information to request |
|---|---|
| Material | Product identification, finish, thickness, quantity basis and price validity |
| Fabrication | Cutting, edges, cut-outs, matching, drawings and any excluded work |
| Packing and origin services | Packing, loading, collection and export service scope |
| Transport | Equipment, route, main freight, insurance and quotation conditions |
| Destination costs | Customs treatment, broker, carrier, port and delivery charges confirmed for the shipment |
| Site work | Measurement, unloading, installation, supports and protection, where separately required |
Mark each line included, excluded or awaiting confirmation. Record currency, taxes where applicable, payment milestones and the quotation’s expiry. Keep installation and longer-term maintenance as separate budget lines so they are not confused with the delivered material cost.
Compare responsibility as well as price
Ask who is responsible for material approval, fabrication drawings, quality inspection, packing, transport and handling discrepancies. A single point of contact may coordinate several parties; clarify the actual contracting scope rather than assuming it owns every production or service facility.
Do not assume that a factory, trading company or local distributor is always cheaper. Compare written offers for the same requirements, including the work you would otherwise arrange yourself.
Use current logistics and customs information
Ask the forwarder for a dated quote based on actual package dimensions, weights, route and services. Have the destination broker confirm product classification and applicable charges. Avoid a universal freight cost per square metre or a fixed percentage added to every material price.
See the stone shipping checklist and, for UAE imports, the customs classification and document checklist.
Allow for approval and aftercare requirements
Discuss sample charges, mock-ups, inspections and any testing before assuming they are included. Ask for care guidance for the selected material and finish. Do not assume every granite needs annual sealing or that engineered surfaces have no maintenance requirements.
Where comparing a longer-term budget, state the care activities, quantities and price assumptions explicitly. Keep estimates separate from confirmed quotations.
Send a clear pricing enquiry
Include the product or appearance reference, intended use, dimensions, finish, quantity, drawings and destination. Prime Stone Works can discuss the material requirements; availability, service scope and commercial terms require written confirmation for the order.