Start with the fictional CSV examples
Download Harborline’s quotation CSV, Tideforge’s quotation CSV and Pelagic’s quotation CSV. All suppliers, equipment, specifications and prices are fictional. These are source-format examples, not market prices or supplier recommendations.
In Excel, use Data → From Text/CSV, UTF-8 encoding and a comma delimiter. Keep part numbers as text so leading zeros and identifier formats are preserved. Retain an untouched source copy and work on a separate review copy.
Keep requirements, offers and review decisions separate
| Section | Fields to retain | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer requirement | Component, part number, maker/model, quantity, unit, document revision | Define the requirement independently of an offer |
| Supplier evidence | Original description, offered quantity/unit, price, currency, explicit charges, delivery, warranty, exclusions, source reference | Trace the comparison to the quotation |
| Review | Difference, clarification question, response reference, reviewer, resolution status | Keep unanswered questions visible |
Keep the buyer’s parts list beside the report. QuoteLens currently assembles comparison rows from supplier offers and cannot detect a required item omitted by every supplier.
Calculate the offer before judging its scope
Harborline’s fictional seal line is 2 each × USD 150.00 = USD 300.00. Its known quotation total is USD 630.60 after the other stated lines and explicit charges. Tideforge’s known total is USD 533.52, but its scope and unit basis differ. Pelagic’s USD 746.00 is incomplete because tax is unstated. The worked marine pump comparison explains the differences.
A blank charge is not zero. A pair is not automatically equivalent to two separately offered items. A matching part number does not prove technical compatibility. Request clarification or a revised quote before treating the totals as comparable delivered costs.
Generate an Excel-ready comparison report
- Open QuoteLens and select Try sample comparison, or choose the three downloaded CSV files.
- Open Review and check source wording, quantities, units and specifications.
- Open Compare, explicitly confirm USD, and examine unresolved differences.
- Select Export CSV for Excel or Export PDF report for the branded report.
The CSV contains comparison information, source references, unresolved issues and an audit trail. It is not an XLSX workbook with formulas or separate tabs. Editing the export does not recalculate the browser report. PDF and CSV exports must be retained according to your organization’s document-handling rules.
Before an award decision
Resolve scope and specification differences with the responsible technical reviewer. Keep evidence of accepted deviations and revised supplier commitments. This report supports but does not replace professional procurement judgement.