What’s in a Quote?

You sent your drawing. You got a quote back. Maybe it’s a one-liner with a price and lead time. Maybe it’s a detailed breakdown. Here’s how to read it — and what to watch out for.

Standard Quote Components

1. Unit Price

The cost per piece at the quoted quantity. Always ask: does this include material? Setup? Finishing? Shipping? If the quote doesn’t say, assume it doesn’t.

2. Setup / NRE (Non-Recurring Engineering)

One-time charges for programming, fixturing, or tooling. A CNC program might cost $200–500. A welding fixture: $500–2,000. A stamping die: $5,000–50,000. These costs are amortized over quantity — the more you order, the less they matter per piece.

3. Material

Some shops quote material separately (especially on large parts). Ask what alloy, temper, and certification they’re quoting. “Steel” is not a specification — 1018, 4140, and A36 are very different materials at very different prices.

4. Lead Time

Working days from order to ship. Typical: 2–4 weeks. Rush: 3–5 days (expect 25–100% premium). Always confirm if lead time starts from PO or from material receipt.

5. Tolerances

What’s the standard tolerance if your drawing doesn’t specify? Most shops default to ±0.005″ for machined features. If they don’t state it, ask. If they quote without looking at your tolerances, worry.

Red Flags

  • Quote in 5 minutes: They didn’t read your drawing. They’re guessing or they’re desperate.
  • “Per your drawing” without questions: Good shops ask questions. No questions means they’ll build what they think you want.
  • Price way below others: They missed something, they’ll change-order you later, or quality will suffer.
  • No mention of material certification: If you need cert, confirm they provide it. Some shops buy uncertified drops and can’t trace the material.
  • No inspection report offered: First article inspection (FAI) should be available on request. If they can’t measure it, they can’t guarantee it.
  • Lead time “TBD”: They don’t have capacity or they’re subbing it out and don’t know their sub’s schedule.

How to Get Better Quotes

  • Send a complete drawing — dimensions, tolerances, material callout, finish specification, quantity
  • Include a 3D model (STEP or IGES) if you have one — shops can program directly from it
  • Specify quantity AND annual usage — a shop may price differently for a 50-piece order if they know 500/year are coming
  • Be upfront about your budget — a good shop will help you hit it (change material, relax tolerances, simplify geometry)
  • Get 3 quotes minimum — but don’t just pick the cheapest. Pick the one that asked the best questions.

Want a quote you can actually understand? Send us your project — we break down every line item.