Published on 10/19/2026
You have three quotes for the same RF cable assembly and they differ by 40 percent. The cheapest one is tempting. Before you choose, find out whether the three quotes describe the same product. Usually they do not. This page shows how to normalize quotes, where cost hides, and the six lines to send each bidder so the answers can be compared.
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Two quotes are comparable only when they offer the same cable, the same connectors, the same test and the same delivery terms. Check these four before you look at price.
| Quote item | Cheap version | What it can cost you later |
|---|---|---|
| Testing | Batch sampling or continuity check only | Faults found at integration, rework, schedule slip |
| Test data | None provided | No evidence if a field issue appears |
| Certificate of conformance | Extra charge or not offered | Audit gap |
| Requote triggers | Unstated; price changes on any revision | Final price above the quote |
| Packaging | Bulk bag | Damaged connectors, bent cable |
| Freight terms | Ex-works, you arrange shipping | Landed cost above a delivered quote |
| Connector grade | Unspecified or lowest grade | Higher VSWR, shorter mating life |
A supplier may not be hiding anything. A short quote simply omits what you did not ask for. That is why the next section matters.
Holding quotes that do not match? Send us your spec and we will quote it with every line stated.
Add SigmaRF to Your Bid ListSend these six lines to every bidder with your drawing. Ask them to answer line by line.
1. Cable: [brand and type], or state the equivalent you quote. 2. Connectors: [series and brand] on both ends, or state the equivalent. 3. Test: per-unit VSWR and insertion loss over [band], data supplied: yes/no. 4. Documents: certificate of conformance and test report included: yes/no. 5. Terms: price per piece at [quantity], Incoterms, packaging, lead time. 6. Changes: what triggers a requote, and the price effect of a length change.
Suppliers who answer all six are showing you their process. Suppliers who skip lines 3, 4 or 6 are telling you something too.
Copy this table into a spreadsheet and fill one column per supplier.
| Item | Supplier A | Supplier B | Supplier C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit price at your quantity | |||
| Cable type and brand | |||
| Connector series and brand | |||
| Per-unit test data: yes/no | |||
| Certificate of conformance | |||
| Lead time and its conditions | |||
| Packaging and freight | |||
| Requote triggers | |||
| Landed cost per piece |
Fill the last row last. Landed cost is the figure to compare: unit price plus freight, duty, packaging and any test or document charge.
A quote that is 20 percent higher but includes per-unit test data, a certificate and delivered terms often costs less than the cheaper one once you price the gaps. Consider a lot of 100 assemblies where a 3 percent fault rate shows up at integration. Each fault costs a technician hour to find and a replacement to ship. If the cheaper quote saved you 20 percent on the unit price but cost 3 hours of debug per fault, the saving is gone. Use your own labor cost to do this sum for your build.
Signs the cheapest quote will cost more
For what drives price on a legitimate quote, see the cost drivers article. To qualify the supplier behind the quote, use the 12-point audit.
How do I compare cable assembly quotes?
Normalize the cable, connectors, test scope and terms first. Then compare landed cost per piece, not unit price.
Why do cable assembly quotes differ so much?
Differences in cable brand, connector grade, test scope, documents, packaging and freight terms all change the price. A short quote may omit items another includes.
What should a cable assembly quote include?
Cable and connector description, quantity and unit price, test scope and data, documents, lead time with conditions, packaging, Incoterms and requote triggers.
Is the cheapest cable assembly quote ever the best?
For noncritical parts with relaxed specs, yes. For link-critical parts, a much lower price often means less testing or lower grade parts.
What is landed cost?
Unit price plus freight, duty, packaging and any added charges for testing or documents. It is the real cost to your dock.
What is a requote trigger?
A condition that lets the supplier change the price after quoting, such as a drawing change or quantity change. Ask for the list before you accept.
Can SigmaRF quote against a competing quote?
Send your spec and the six lines above. We will quote with test scope and terms stated so you can compare like for like.
Make the quotes describe the same product, then compare landed cost. Send six lines to every bidder, price the gaps in test and documents and ask about requote triggers. The best quote is the one that holds its price and its quality after the order is placed.
Ready to talk about your build?
Add SigmaRF to your bid list and we will quote every line stated, with per-unit test data.
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