The lowest belt quotation is not always the lowest price for the same product. Two suppliers may use the same short description while pricing different material layers, buckle finishes, edge work, packaging or inspection scope.
Lock the product definition first
Compare the same strap width and thickness, material article and layer structure, buckle and finish, keeper and tip construction, stitching, edge treatment, size mix and color mix. If a physical reference is used, record which details should be copied and which should change.
Separate product cost from program cost
Artwork preparation, molds, special hardware, testing, packaging development and inspection may be included, excluded or amortized differently. Ask each supplier to show these items rather than forcing everything into one unit price.
Compare commercial assumptions
MOQ by style, color and size; sample rounds; payment terms; delivery terms; carton quantities and validity dates all affect the comparison. A quotation becomes useful when its assumptions are visible.
A clear comparison sheet protects both buyer and manufacturer from approving a price before the product is defined.