Compare itemised quotes for buying in China and delivery to Switzerland

Compare both quotes on the same basis

Use the same quantities per variant, supplier information and Swiss delivery address or postcode. Say whether you have already bought the goods, which parcels are expected and what checks or packing you want. Record the handover point offered in each quote.

Check what each line covers and how firm it is

Review the goods, purchasing or payment service, transport within China, warehouse work and packing, international shipping, possible import costs and final delivery separately. For each line, note the currency, basis for the charge, included work and who handles it. Flag any services billed separately.

• Confirmed. The amount and scope are confirmed for the information stated in the quote.
• Estimated. The amount depends on assumptions such as weight or outer dimensions. Ask when they will be checked.
• Pending. A detail or confirmation is missing. Agree who will supply it and whether you will need to approve the updated line.

Example of a handover in China or delivery in Switzerland

Quote A covers purchasing and handover at a warehouse in China. For the same goods, Quote B also covers consolidation and shipping to the agreed Swiss address. Before comparing totals, add to Quote A the work and transport needed to deliver the goods to that same address.

• For A, who takes over at the warehouse, and who arranges and pays for the remaining steps?
• For B, what packing and delivery are included, and which amounts will be confirmed after packing?

Approve the purchase and the shipment in stages

Keep a written record of the quote version and the lines you approve. For example, approve the purchase for the confirmed variant, quantity and goods amount, then decide on shipping after the packed shipment has been measured. If quantity, packing or delivery changes, ask for the affected lines to be updated before the next approval.

Confirm changes to payment details separately

Record the order reference, recipient, amount, currency and approved quote version. If the recipient, account or payment method changes unexpectedly, confirm the change before paying through a previously independently verified contact. Do not rely on a newly supplied number without checking it. If you have already paid a potentially incorrect recipient, contact your bank immediately; recovery is not guaranteed.