Quantity options change the scope being compared by linking the per-item or per-unit price to the extended total for the selected quantity. Buyers therefore need both figures: a lower item price alone does not establish which quantity option costs less in total.
Which pricing details should be compared?
The U.S. International Trade Administration identifies the following details:
| Written document | Pricing detail |
|---|---|
| Quotation | Price of each item |
| Pro forma invoice | Prices of items, shown per unit and as extended totals |
These details answer different questions. The item or unit price shows the quoted price for one item, while the extended total reflects the selected quantity. Each quantity option should therefore be recorded with its quantity, per-unit price, and extended total.
Does a larger quantity automatically change the scope?
No automatic change beyond the quoted amount should be inferred. The cited guidance explains how prices may be presented, but it does not state that increasing the quantity changes the unit price or automatically adds other items or conditions.
A buyer should also check whether the written document clearly identifies:
- The exact item covered by each option
- The quantity associated with that option
- The per-item or per-unit price
- The extended total
- Any exclusions or additional scope not addressed by those pricing details
If those points are not stated, the buyer should request written clarification rather than assume that two options with different quantities offer the same scope.