A conveyor quote is a scope document as much as a price. When two quotes differ, the first question is not “why is one cheaper?” but “what is in each scope?” The breakdown below is the checklist we use.
Key takeaways
- Engineering and documentation are often omitted from low quotes.
- Controls can be 15–25% of the line cost and are easy to under-specify.
- Fixtures and tooling are frequently treated as a separate purchase.
- Freight, packing and commissioning change the landed cost significantly.
1. Engineering and design
This includes the layout, cycle-time calculation, drawings, BOM and electrical schematics. A quote without engineering is a quote for a catalogue conveyor, not a line. For a custom line, engineering is typically 5–10% of the total.
Ask for the drawing set that will be delivered. A single layout PDF is not the same as a full drawing package with elevations, sections and electrical schematics.
2. Mechanical structure
Profiles, frame, legs, guards, tracks and supports. The profile size and the wall thickness matter: a lighter profile can reduce the price by 10% but may deflect under load. Ask for the profile specification and the deflection calculation for long spans.
Surface finish is another variable. Powder coating, galvanising and stainless steel have different costs and different lead times.
3. Conveyor components
Chain, belt, rollers, sprockets, bearings, take-up and drives. The brand and the country of origin of the bearings and the drive can change the price significantly. A quote that uses unbranded bearings may be cheaper, but the maintenance cost will be higher.
Ask for the brand list for the drive, the bearings, the PLC and the sensors. A brand list is a simple way to compare quotes.
| Scope item | Typical share | Questions to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | 5–10% | Drawing package included? |
| Structure | 20–30% | Profile size, finish? |
| Components | 20–25% | Brand list? |
| Controls | 15–25% | PLC, safety, MES? |
| Fixtures | 5–15% | Included or separate? |
| Pre-assembly | 5–8% | Run-in report? |
| Packing & freight | 3–8% | Export packing? |
| Commissioning | 3–6% | Days, travel, training? |
4. Controls and electrical
This is the most commonly under-specified part. A quote may include a simple relay control, while the customer expects a PLC with an MES interface. Ask for the control architecture, the I/O count, the safety category and the documentation.
Safety devices — interlocks, light curtains, emergency stops — are part of the controls. A quote that omits them is not a complete line.
5. Fixtures and tooling
Fixture plates, nests, jigs and quick-change subplates. These are often quoted separately because they depend on the product. If they are not in the quote, the line cannot run. Ask explicitly.
6. Pre-assembly and testing
A line that is pre-assembled and run in before shipment costs more but reduces site time. Ask for the run-in report: duration, load, current, noise and any issues found. A supplier that does not pre-assemble will find the problems on your floor.
7. Packing and freight
Export packing, crating, container loading and freight. For long lines, the container count and the packing method affect the cost. Ask for the packing list and the container plan.
8. Commissioning and training
Days on site, travel and accommodation, and operator training. A quote that includes “commissioning” without a day count is not a commitment. Ask for the number of days and what is included.
9. Spare parts and warranty
A spare-parts list with recommended quantities and lead times. The warranty terms, the response time and the exclusions. A warranty that excludes wear parts is normal; a warranty that excludes the drive is not.
Frequently asked questions
Why do quotes for the same line differ so much?
Usually because the scope differs: engineering, controls, fixtures, pre-assembly, packing and commissioning. Compare line by line, not total to total.
Should I buy the cheapest quote?
Only if the scope is identical and the supplier can demonstrate the quality of the components and the pre-assembly. The cheapest quote often has the highest total cost.
What is a reasonable deposit?
It varies by supplier and market, but 30% with the order and the balance against shipment is common. Avoid paying the full amount before the pre-assembly.
Send your specification to our engineers through the contact page; we will provide a line-by-line quote with the scope clearly stated.
