When fertilizer quotes arrive from different suppliers, the lowest number is rarely the cheapest. Comparing water-soluble fertilizer quotes properly means checking six things before price, so that the number you negotiate is based on identical scope.
1. Confirm the Specification Sheet
Match NPK grade, solubility, chloride level, chelation agent and impurity limits against your program. A 20-20-20 quote is meaningless until the full spec sheet matches what your crops need and what your country’s import rules accept.
2. Make Packaging and Units Identical
Quotes may price per 1 kg, per 25 kg bag or per pallet. Convert everything to cost per tonne of active specification before comparing, and confirm the packaging standard (1 kg retail, 25 kg woven, 10 kg bucket) because unit cost shifts with pack size.
3. Ask for the Batch COA
A quote without a Certificate of Analysis is incomplete. Verify nutrient content, heavy metals and moisture against the label claim – see our guide on how to read a COA so you know what to check line by line.
4. Check Incoterms and Delivery Scope
An FOB quote excludes ocean freight, insurance and destination charges; a CIF quote includes part of them. Compare quotes under the same Incoterms rule, or convert them, or the comparison is invalid.
5. Review Payment Terms and Lead Time
Production lead time, partial shipment flexibility and payment method (LC, TT, DP) change your working capital. A cheaper quote that ties up cash for three months can cost more than a slightly higher price with open terms.
6. Calculate True Cost per Application
Finally, price per tonne means little – what matters is cost per hectare per application. Solubility, uptake efficiency and recommended rates determine how many bags you actually use each season.
For a full picture of what to expect from a serious supplier, review our product range and talk to the export team with your spec sheet ready.
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