How to weight price against lead time in a three-bid comparison

The lowest bid is easy to spot. The bid that keeps production running is harder.

Name your non-negotiables first

Before opening spreadsheets, write down what failure looks like: a line stoppage, a missed export date, or a clinic without supplies. Those outcomes get weight in scoring, not just TWD figures.

Normalize units

Convert quotes to the same unit — per piece, per month, or total project. Include freight, tooling deposits, and expected change-order patterns if history exists.

Score lead time with evidence

Ask each supplier to state capacity allocation for your order, not generic “4–6 weeks.” Reference past jobs similar in size. Vague promises score lower in our standard matrix.

Run a sensitivity check

Model what happens if you need 20% more quantity mid-contract. Some low prices assume narrow volume bands.

Document the decision

When directors ask why you did not pick the cheapest bid, a one-page matrix beats memory. Store it with the contract.

We build custom matrices during RFQ engagements and due diligence reviews.