Receiving multiple quotations for a vacuum forming project and choosing on price alone is one of the most reliable ways to end up disappointed with the outcome. Price is important, but a quotation is a document with layers of information — and understanding what to look for beyond the headline figure helps buyers make better decisions and avoid costly surprises. At Jabro Games, we produce detailed, transparent quotations and want our clients to know how to read them.
What Tooling Material Is Specified?
The tooling material specified in the quotation directly determines the quality, longevity, and dimensional accuracy of the mould that forms every part. A quotation using resin tooling for a run of 10,000 parts is quoting for a tool that may not survive the volume. A quotation using aluminium tooling for a prototype run of 50 parts is over-engineering the solution. The tooling specification should match the volume and the quality requirements of the application.
What Material and Thickness Is Quoted?
The sheet material and thickness specified should match what was requested — or be explicitly justified if a substitution has been proposed. A lower-cost material substitution that reduces per-unit cost may also reduce the performance of the finished part in ways that are not immediately apparent. The quotation should specify the material by grade and the thickness in millimetres.
What Does the Quoted Price Include?
A vacuum forming quotation should clearly state what is and is not included. Does the price include trimming? Finishing? Packaging? Delivery? A quotation that appears lower than competitors may be excluding items that others have included. Comparing on a fully inclusive basis — the delivered cost per part including all operations — is the only meaningful comparison.
What Are the Lead Times?
Tooling lead time and production lead time should be stated clearly. Unrealistically short lead times are a warning sign — quality tooling takes time to manufacture. Lead times that seem too long may indicate limited capacity or a deprioritised order. Understanding the basis for the quoted lead times and how firm they are is important for project planning.
What Quality Assurance Is Described?
A quotation from a quality-focused supplier should describe the quality assurance process — first-off sample approval, in-process inspection, and final batch inspection. The absence of any quality language in a quotation is a signal worth noting.
At Jabro Games, our quotations are detailed, transparent, and designed to give clients confidence. Visit jabrogames.com to submit your enquiry.