How to Compare Iranian Supplier Quotes: An RFQ and Supplier Scorecard

Learn to compare Iranian supplier quotations using a practical RFQ template, landed-cost checks and a supplier scorecard before placing an order.

A low unit price does not always mean a low-cost import. Two suppliers can quote the same product at dramatically different prices because they are offering different grades, packaging, quantities, quality controls or delivery terms. For international buyers sourcing from Iran, the first step is not choosing a supplier. It is making every supplier quote comparable. This guide explains how to prepare a useful request for quotation (RFQ), calculate comparable costs and assess suppliers before committing to a trial order. Start with one specification, not three conversations A supplier cannot offer a meaningful quotation if the request says only “best price for pistachios” or “high-quality saffron.” Define the same specifications for everyone: product and variety, grade, quantity, packing, labeling, quality tests, destination, required delivery date and acceptable Incoterm. For food, include shelf life and certificates your destination market requires. For stone, include dimensions, finish and tolerances. If requirements change while different suppliers are responding, send the updated specification to all of them. Otherwise, any comparison will be misleading. An RFQ buyers can actually use Copy this short structure into your buying request: Product: exact product, variety and commercial grade. Quantity: initial trial quantity and estimated repeat volume, specifying units. Specifications: measurable parameters and acceptable tolerance. Packaging: net weight, carton size, palletization and private-label requirements. Evidence: photographs of the current lot, laboratory reports and sample availability. Destination: country, city or port, and import requirements known to the buyer. Trade terms: quote the named place and Incoterms® 2020 rule. Timeline: production lead time, dispatch date and quote validity. Commercial terms: currency, staged payments, inspection rights and claim procedure. A precise RFQ can reduce follow-up messages and discourage suppliers from guessing what you want. You can post a buying request on ASL Market to describe the product, quantity and destination and seek quotations from relevant suppliers. Compare delivered economics, not unit price alone Use a landed-cost worksheet for each quote. Begin with product cost, then add packaging upgrades, domestic handling, export charges, freight, insurance, destination clearance, duties, taxes and inspection fees where applicable. Do not assume any cost is included unless the quotation states so. For example, Supplier A may offer a lower EXW price but require the buyer to arrange more transport and export handling. Supplier B may offer a higher FCA or FOB quote with a different responsibility split. The right comparison depends on route and transport mode; FOB is intended for sea and inland waterway transport, not every shipment. Consult the ICC's Incoterms rules and confirm responsibilities in the contract. Ask every seller to identify the named place , not just write “FOB” or “CIF.” A price without this information is not a complete trade quotation. Score each supplier consistently A simple weighted scorecard can keep decisions objective. An illustrative model is product compliance (30%), documentation and traceability (20%), communication (15%), commercial terms (15%), logistics readiness (10%) and total comparable cost (10%). Change the weights for your category. A food importer may give more weight to tested safety parameters; a stone wholesaler may prioritize consistent size, shade and packing. Score each criterion from 1 to 5 and retain the evidence behind the score. A badge, attractive product image or fast reply should never substitute for the underlying documents. Ask for a recent lot-specific test report when testing matters, and verify the laboratory and report number where possible. Use a trial order to test execution Before a full container or long-term contract, consider a commercially realistic pilot. Agree on sample approval, pre-shipment inspection, packing photos, permitted substitutions and acceptance criteria. Document which party bears the cost if the cargo fails inspection. A pilot is useful only if its packaging, paperwork and shipment conditions resemble the future transaction. Red flags buyers should not overlook Watch for inconsistent company identities, unwillingness to provide specifications, pressure to pay a different beneficiary without explanation, changing bank or wallet details, unrealistic delivery promises or vague claims of “certified quality.” None of these automatically proves fraud, but each warrants additional checks. Your next sourcing step Create a comparison-ready RFQ and browse Iranian suppliers on ASL Market . Review available listings, request documentation and compare quotations using the same scorecard. Platform information can support discovery; independent due diligence and compliance checks remain essential before payment. Frequently asked questions How many quotes should I request? Three suitably qualified quotes are often a useful starting point, but quality matters more than a fixed count. What is the most important RFQ detail? The product specification. If grade, quantity or packaging differs, the prices cannot be compared fairly. Does a supplier listing guarantee performance? No. Verify capabilities, documents and trading terms separately before committing funds.