iDelivery planning
Delivery quote checklist: what does the price include?
A usable delivery quote identifies the packed goods, collection and delivery points, service scope, price inclusions and exclusions, and the dates on which the offer depends. Keep an unknown charge visible instead of treating “shipping included” as a complete answer.
By iEquity Market · Published and reviewed
Define the shipment before comparing prices
Give each seller or carrier the same shipment description. State the number of packed pieces, outer dimensions, packed weight, pickup location and delivery destination. Separate a carton count from a unit count: ten cartons containing twelve items each is not a ten-item shipment.
For a delivery to Yerevan or another Armenian city, specify the actual handover point and access conditions. A city name alone does not say whether the service ends at a depot, a building entrance or a particular floor. Confirm who receives the goods and whether an appointment is needed.
| Field | Question to ask | Record in the quote |
|---|---|---|
| Packed goods | Are packaging, dimensions and weight final? | Pieces, outer dimensions, packed weight and measurement date. |
| Delivery point | Where does the quoted service end? | Full agreed handover point and any unloading or access conditions. |
| Price scope | Which charges are included, excluded or awaiting confirmation? | Currency, itemised charges, assumptions and quote expiry. |
| Dates | Is this a dispatch date, transit estimate or arrival commitment? | Each milestone separately, including what starts the clock. |
| Responsibilities | Who arranges each step and handles exceptions? | Named party for collection, transport, handover and any required clearance. |
| Damage or delay | What evidence and reporting process apply? | Contact, process, deadlines and agreed protection or remedies. |
Why can the final packed size change a quote?
Carriers may charge on volumetric weight rather than actual weight when a parcel takes up a lot of space. DHL’s measuring guidance illustrates this distinction. Ask which calculation and rounding rules apply to the specific service; do not assume a divisor from another country or carrier.
Request a revised quote if the final packaging changes. A protective crate, extra cartons or a different pallet arrangement can change the information used for pricing. Keep the old and new scope visible so that the reason for a price change can be checked.
Separate inclusions, exclusions and unknowns
Use three explicit labels for each possible charge: included, excluded with an amount or basis, and not yet confirmed. An empty cell should never silently become zero. Ask whether collection, packaging, unloading, storage after a missed handover and optional protection are part of this offer.
For a cross-border order, ask who will confirm any applicable customs requirements, duties and taxes for that product and route. Do not estimate a country-wide percentage from a generic article. Product classification, origin and the actual transaction may matter; obtain a qualified assessment when needed.
What if the seller uses an Incoterms rule?
If an Incoterms rule is proposed, ask the seller to identify the rule, its edition and the precise named place. ICC explains these rules as allocating specified costs, risks and responsibilities between buyer and seller. A familiar abbreviation alone is not enough to describe your shipment.
Also ask for the practical handover plan in plain language. Who books collection? Who contacts the receiver? What happens if access is unavailable? Keep the agreed trade term consistent with the written order and seek suitable professional advice when the allocation is unclear. This article does not choose a rule for your transaction.
Test the quote with a concrete scenario
Illustrative example, not a live offer: one quote ends at a depot and another includes delivery to your premises. The lower number cannot be compared fairly until you add the missing depot-to-premises service and confirm its availability. If that amount is unknown, the first quote has an unresolved cost, not a proven saving.
Before selecting, write a one-line scope statement: “The quoted price covers these packed pieces from this pickup point to this handover point, under these dates and exclusions.” Send it back for confirmation. Then use the quote-comparison worksheet to compare offers on that same basis.
Sources and scope
- DHL: measuring and weighing a parcel
Supports the distinction between actual and volumetric weight; it does not establish rates or service availability for Armenia.
- ICC: questions and answers on Incoterms 2020
Background on named places, delivery and responsibility; use the applicable full rules and transaction-specific advice.
Initial publication: 4 November 2026. This article contains editorial guidance, not a supplier endorsement or a customer case study.
Prepare your next purchase
Include your product, packed quantity if known, destination and required date in an inquiry. Mark missing details as unconfirmed.
How to compare supplier quotations fairly
iEquity Market currently accepts inquiries and seller introductions, starting with Armenia. Product availability, price and delivery require individual confirmation. Sending an inquiry is free, creates no purchase obligation and does not reserve stock. Online checkout is not available.