When comparing timber export quotations, the lowest price is not always the lowest-cost option. Two suppliers may quote different prices because they are offering different timber dimensions, grades, moisture conditions, shipment terms, or quantities.
Before placing an order, compare each quotation against the same specification and confirm what the price includes.
1. Check that both suppliers are quoting the same timber
Start with the product details. A quotation for Sapele sawn timber is not directly comparable with another if the dimensions, grade, or drying condition differ.
Check that both quotations specify:
- Species: The exact timber species required.
- Dimensions: Thickness, width, and length, including whether dimensions are rough-sawn or finished.
- Grade: The agreed grading standard or written quality criteria.
- Moisture condition: Air-dried, kiln-dried, or another agreed condition.
- Quantity: The total cubic metres and the quantity of each size, where applicable.
If a supplier proposes an alternative species, grade, or dimension, request a separate price for that alternative. Do not assume the substitution is equivalent.
2. Compare the complete price, not just the unit rate
A quotation may show a price per cubic metre, per piece, or per container. Confirm the unit and calculate the total value of the order.
Then check whether the quoted price includes the costs relevant to your agreed delivery terms, such as export handling, ocean freight, and insurance.
For example, an FOB Douala quotation and a CIF quotation to your destination port do not cover the same costs. Compare them only after identifying which charges remain your responsibility under each offer.
Also confirm the destination port, currency, and any charges excluded from the quotation. If you need the timber delivered beyond the destination port, clarify the additional transport arrangements separately.
3. Confirm the shipment and production schedule
A lower quotation may not suit your purchasing schedule if production or shipment will take longer than expected.
Ask each supplier to clarify:
- Whether the requested timber is available or must be produced.
- The expected production or preparation period.
- The estimated shipment date.
- Whether the date depends on payment, approval of specifications, or another condition.
Distinguish the time needed to prepare the order from the sea transit time. Neither should be treated as a guaranteed arrival date unless the supplier has expressly committed to it.
4. Review payment terms and quotation validity
Before accepting an offer, confirm the deposit, balance payment conditions, payment currency, and agreed milestones.
For a first order, make sure the payment arrangement is written into the commercial documents and that the beneficiary details have been independently verified. Do not rely on informal messages alone when approving a bank transfer.
Check the quotation’s expiry date as well. Timber availability, production costs, and freight rates can change, so an old quotation may no longer be valid.
5. Check what evidence and documents are included
Clarify which documents the supplier will provide and which requirements depend on your destination market.
Depending on the order and destination, these may include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, and relevant legality or traceability information.
For EU-bound timber, identify any additional information required for your own due diligence. A general statement that timber is “export quality” or “fully documented” is not a substitute for checking the specific evidence your transaction requires.
If inspection is important, agree in advance on the inspection scope, timing, acceptance criteria, and who will bear the cost.
6. Ask suppliers to clarify differences before choosing
If one quotation is substantially cheaper, ask the supplier to explain the difference rather than assuming the offer is better.
A useful comparison should make it clear whether both offers cover the same timber, quantity, quality requirements, delivery point, and commercial conditions.
You can use this simple table when reviewing offers:
| Item | Supplier A | Supplier B |
|---|---|---|
| Species and product form | Confirmed? | Confirmed? |
| Dimensions and grade | Same specification? | Same specification? |
| Moisture condition | Agreed? | Agreed? |
| Quantity and unit price | Clear? | Clear? |
| Delivery term and destination | Defined? | Defined? |
| Production and shipment timing | Confirmed? | Confirmed? |
| Payment terms and validity | Written? | Written? |
| Required documents and inspection | Agreed? | Agreed? |
Do not select a supplier until important differences have been resolved in writing.
Request a comparable timber quotation
When requesting prices from Jam Wood Export, provide the species, timber form, dimensions, grade or quality requirements, moisture condition, volume, destination port, and preferred delivery term. Include any inspection or documentation requirements that apply to your order.
Jam Wood Export supplies tropical timber from Cameroon. Buyers can discuss their requirements and request a quotation through the company’s email; contact@jamwoodexport.com or on WhatsApp. You can also review our sawn timber for export and available wood pages.
The aim is to obtain offers that can be compared on the same basis, so your decision reflects the timber you will receive and the full commercial terms, not simply the lowest number on the page.