How to Compare Steel Quotations Line by Line
Steel quotations often look similar but are not comparable. Learn how to normalise grade, size, weight basis, certificates, delivery and VAT to compare offers fairly.
Saudi Steel Work Editorial Team · · 3 min read
Short answer: To compare steel quotations fairly, put every offer on the same basis: identical grade and standard, the same weight basis (theoretical or actual), the same certificates, the same delivery terms, and prices before VAT per tonne and per item. Only then compare price and lead time.
Three quotations for the "same" steel list can differ by 10% or more — and the cheapest is often not the best value. The difference is usually hidden in the basis of the price rather than the price itself. Here is how to compare offers properly.
Build a comparison sheet
Create one row per item and one column group per supplier. For each item record:
- Grade and standard offered
- Size, length and quantity offered
- Unit (per tonne, per piece, per metre)
- Weight basis — theoretical or actual
- Unit price excluding VAT
- Lead time and stock status
- Certificates included
Any cell that differs from your enquiry should be highlighted. Those differences are where risk sits.
Normalise the weight basis
Steel is commonly priced per tonne, but suppliers may invoice on theoretical weight (from section tables) or actual weighed weight. Mills roll within tolerances, so actual weight can be a few percent above or below theoretical. A slightly lower price per tonne on actual weight can end up more expensive than a theoretical-weight offer. Our steel weight calculator helps you estimate theoretical weights for checking.
Check grade substitutions
Look carefully for:
- S275 offered where S355 was requested
- ASTM A53 offered instead of A106 for high-temperature pipe
- Cold-formed hollow sections offered instead of hot-finished
- Pre-galvanized tube offered instead of hot-dip galvanized after fabrication
Any of these may be acceptable — but only with the engineer's approval, and they are not like-for-like on price.
Compare certificates and testing
An offer with EN 10204 3.1 certificates, impact testing or ultrasonic testing costs more than one with a basic 2.2 test report. If your specification needs these, cheaper offers that exclude them are incomplete, not cheaper. See mill test certificates explained.
Align delivery terms
| Term on quotation | What you still pay for |
|---|---|
| Delivered to site, offloaded | Usually nothing extra |
| Delivered to site, not offloaded | Crane or forklift at site |
| Ex-works / ex-warehouse | Transport, loading, offloading |
| FOB / CFR (imports) | Freight, insurance, customs clearance, port charges, inland transport |
For imports, see Incoterms for steel purchases.
Watch price validity and escalation
Steel prices move. A quotation valid for three days is not comparable to one valid for thirty. Escalation clauses linked to mill price changes shift risk back to you. Read our guide to price validity and payment terms.
Compare lead time with your programme
A cheaper offer that arrives two weeks late can cost more in idle labour and cranes than the price difference. Map each supplier's lead time against your required-on-site date.
Final check
Before awarding, confirm in writing: grade, standard, quantity, weight basis, certificates, delivery terms, price validity, payment terms and VAT. Then issue a purchase order that repeats those terms exactly.
Need a quotation that is easy to compare? Send your steel list and each line will show grade, basis, lead time and documents.