Direct answer
Two Ficus quotations are comparable only when they describe the same commercial result. A lower unit price may refer to a different tree form, a looser size range, smaller root preparation, nursery pickup rather than export preparation, or a batch that the buyer cannot individually approve. Normalize the scope before judging the price.
1. Start with botanical and form identity
Confirm the botanical name and the trade name used by each supplier. Then define the intended form: standard, multi-stem, aerial-root, character trunk, clipped form or another agreed structure. A price for generic Ficus is not a reliable comparison.
2. Normalize the measurement method
- Overall height and the point from which it is measured
- Crown width and whether tying changes the shipment width
- Clear trunk height where relevant
- Trunk girth, diameter or other agreed trunk measure
- Root-ball or container dimensions
- Permitted tolerance for each dimension
Ask for current measurements rather than relying only on old catalogue grades.
3. Separate specimen selection from batch supply
An individually selected character tree is not priced in the same way as a repeatable wholesale batch. Record whether the quotation includes individual tree IDs, buyer selection, batch approval, substitutions or only supply to a general grade.
4. Compare preparation scope
Check whether lifting, root preparation, crown pruning, tying, labeling, wrapping, internal nursery movement and loading are included. If one supplier quotes standing nursery stock and another quotes export-prepared trees, their unit prices describe different stages of work.
5. Clarify the commercial delivery point
- Nursery pickup
- Loaded on truck
- Delivered to consolidation point or port
- Export packing included or excluded
- Freight, documentation and inspection responsibilities
Write the agreed delivery term and named place into the comparison. Do not infer it from an informal message.
6. Test container efficiency carefully
A theoretical number of trees per container is not a guarantee. Prepared dimensions, root-ball geometry, protection requirements, weight distribution and loading sequence can change the final quantity. Compare the assumptions behind each estimate.
7. Add risk and evidence to the price comparison
Record the age of photographs, measurement evidence, replacement policy, permitted substitutions, quotation validity, preparation lead time and decision deadlines. A quotation supported by traceable current evidence may carry less execution risk than a cheaper but vague offer.
8. Build a normalized comparison table
Use one row per supplier and fixed columns for specification, quantity, selection method, preparation, delivery point, documents, estimated logistics, exclusions, lead time and validity. Keep notes beside the numbers so the team can understand why totals differ.
Final decision rule
Select the offer that best matches the approved specification and risk tolerance at a defensible total cost. If the scope is still different, issue a clarification round before awarding the order.
GLOBAL FICUS can compare options across Shaxi nurseries against one controlled requirement. Send your Ficus brief.