Supplier comparison worksheet
A compact worksheet for comparing two to four suppliers after the first quote. It favors written evidence, clear risks and next actions over unverifiable claims.
Copy-ready comparison table
Paste this into a document or spreadsheet. Keep assumptions visible; do not mark a risk as solved until it is confirmed in writing or by inspection.
Project / product: ______________________________ Target specification: ___________________________ Decision owner: _________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________ Supplier A: _____________________________________ Supplier B: _____________________________________ Supplier C: _____________________________________ Supplier D: _____________________________________ 1) Quote clarity (0-3) A: __ B: __ C: __ D: __ Notes: unit price, MOQ, lead time, incoterm, validity period 2) Product/specification fit (0-3) A: __ B: __ C: __ D: __ Notes: model match, datasheet, photos, customization limits 3) Evidence quality (0-3) A: __ B: __ C: __ D: __ Notes: relevant certificates, test reports, manuals, traceable files 4) Communication and responsiveness (0-3) A: __ B: __ C: __ D: __ Notes: answers exact questions, flags uncertainty, confirms promises 5) Sample and inspection readiness (0-3) A: __ B: __ C: __ D: __ Notes: sample cost, acceptance criteria, third-party inspection option 6) Payment and delivery exposure (0-3) A: __ B: __ C: __ D: __ Notes: deposit size, balance timing, shipment responsibility, warranty Total score /18 A: __ B: __ C: __ D: __ Decision: shortlist / clarify / reject / audit first Next written question to send: ___________________
Suggested default decision rule
- Below 10/18: do not proceed without clarification or an audit step.
- 10-14/18: acceptable only for low-risk samples or small trial orders.
- 15+/18: candidate for shortlist, still subject to contract terms and inspection needs.
- If safety, legal compliance or food-contact risk is involved, evidence quality should be weighted more than price.
What this worksheet does not prove
- It is not a substitute for formal due diligence, legal review or regulated-product certification checks.
- It does not verify factory ownership or production capacity by itself.
- It should not be used to invent customer cases, credentials or compliance claims.
- It works best as a decision record before asking for samples, inspections or payment.