Decide whether the offers describe the same requirement
A price comparison starts with specification and conditions. Check article, composition, weight unit, usable width, construction, finish, colour and quantity. If these differ, establish whether both proposals satisfy the garment need before deciding which commercial comparison is useful.
An alternative can still be worth considering. Label the difference and evaluate it rather than pretending it is the same article. Missing fields should remain missing until clarified; filling them from a photograph or another quote creates false comparability.
Keep the quoted units and currency intact
Record the original currency, price unit and quantity. Metres and yards can be converted using 1 yard = 0.9144 metre, provided the other comparison conditions are aligned. A price per yard is divided by 0.9144 to express a price per metre; the fabric requirement must also be in a consistent length unit.
Kilograms and metres cannot be converted meaningfully without an agreed basis for the actual fabric. Different currencies require an explicit conversion basis for the intended decision. The comparison worksheet keeps unsupported kilogram/metre or currency combinations separate rather than inventing a comparable total.
Resolve usable width and cutting differences
Two quotes at the same price per metre may supply different usable areas. Confirm that each width means material available for cutting, not merely total edge-to-edge width. The cutting team should assess the actual garment layout when width, pattern repeat or orientation differs.
An area-price calculation can help explain a difference but cannot by itself establish garment consumption. Pattern matching, size mix, pieces and directional cutting can change the outcome. Keep those effects visible before treating a lower metre price as a saving.
Compare the included commercial conditions
Review quantity allocation, minimums, validity, sample charges and the stated delivery basis. A trade rule should retain its named place or point and version. List excluded or separately quoted amounts; missing destination costs prevent a complete landed-cost conclusion.
A public minimum reference or an older offer does not confirm the present allocation. Fred’s public 500 metres per style requires programme confirmation. If a quote assumes different colours or quantities, request a revised response before using it for an approval.
Illustrative calculation: metre and yard prices
Assume, only for illustration, that two otherwise aligned offers use the same currency and specification. Offer A is 10 currency units per metre. Offer B is 9 currency units per yard. Dividing 9 by 0.9144 gives approximately 9.8425 per metre, so B’s length-unit price is slightly lower on that stated basis.
That arithmetic stops being a purchasing conclusion if B has a different usable width, finish or delivery condition. Ask for the missing alignment first. These numbers are fictional teaching values, not Fred prices, exchange rates or a supplier recommendation.
Turn discrepancies into a short follow-up
At early enquiry, ask what the price assumes. At defined offer, reconcile specification and commercial fields. Before commitment, check the selected article and sample revision against the current valid quote. Each stage needs a different degree of completeness.
Use the comparison tool to put stated values side by side and expose differences. It does not choose a winner or convert an incomplete quote into a delivered-cost estimate. Keep your decision and its unresolved questions in the project record.
Offer IDs and dates: Same article / composition / weight unit / finish? Usable widths confirmed? Currency, price unit and quantity basis: Colour allocation and minimum conditions: Delivery rule, named place and version: Included / excluded / separately quoted amounts: Conversion used, if valid: Differences requiring clarification before comparison: Please confirm [specific missing basis] for [offer line].
Questions about comparing fabric prices
Why can a cheaper metre price lead to more fabric cost?
If usable width or cutting restrictions differ, the garment may need a different amount of fabric. Ask the cutting team to compare actual layouts and retain the commercial differences.
Can I compare a kilogram quote with a metre quote?
Only with a confirmed conversion basis for the selected fabric and aligned conditions. Weight, width and the relevant measurement basis are needed; do not guess them.
Does a converted unit price prove the lowest landed cost?
No. Unit conversion addresses one arithmetic difference. Specification, yield, quantity, delivery conditions and missing charges still need review.