A complete written quote should identify the supplier and buyer, describe the product, state the price, set the shipment time, specify the terms of sale and terms of payment, and state the quotation's validity period. The U.S. International Trade Administration lists seller and buyer names and addresses among the details to include.
What to check
| Detail | What the quote should include |
|---|---|
| Parties | The seller's or supplier's name and address, and the buyer's name and address |
| Product | A description of the product being quoted |
| Price | The stated price for the product |
| Shipment timing | The time of shipment |
| Sale terms | The terms of sale |
| Payment terms | The terms of payment |
| Validity | The period for which the quotation remains valid |
How to compare written quotes
Start with the parties and product. Check that the supplier and buyer details are present and that the product descriptions match the items you intend to compare. Then place the price, shipment time, terms of sale, and terms of payment side by side. Finally, check each quotation's validity period, because quotes with different validity periods may not be directly comparable at the same moment.
The important point is not only whether a field appears, but whether its wording clearly matches the transaction you are considering.
What you still need to confirm
The cited export guide is a reference for what an export quotation states, not a universal legal or contractual checklist. Before relying on a quote, confirm that the party details, product description, price, shipment time, terms of sale and payment, and validity period reflect your intended transaction. Ask the supplier to clarify anything the written quote does not expressly state.