Comparing two industrial fan prices is not enough to compare two industrial fan offers. Overseas buyers should align the duty point, equipment scope, motor specifications, documents, inspection requirements and commercial terms before awarding an order.
1. Begin with a common technical basis
Ask each supplier to quote against the same revision of the RFQ and to state any assumptions or exceptions. A model number alone does not prove that two fans deliver the same duty.
- Duty point: required airflow (m³/h or CFM), fan static or total pressure (Pa), operating range and whether the requirement is at actual or specified reference conditions.
- Gas conditions: composition, temperature, density or altitude, humidity, condensate, dust loading and corrosive or hazardous constituents.
- Mechanical configuration: impeller/casing material and thickness when required, direct/belt/coupling drive, rotation, outlet angle, inlet and outlet connections, arrangement and installation footprint.
- Motor and control: voltage, frequency, phase, power rating, enclosure protection, efficiency requirement, starting method, VFD scope, local electrical requirements and hazardous-area classification if applicable.
- Operating duty: continuous or intermittent service, ambient limits, maintenance access and project-specific noise requirements.
For a complete starting specification, use the QIYUE FAN selection data checklist. For material-sensitive applications, review our fan material selection guide.
2. Compare performance at the same operating point
One supplier may quote a fan at the design duty while another quotes a catalog maximum. Likewise, fan static pressure and fan total pressure must not be treated as the same parameter. Require a performance curve or stated selection basis with the selected operating point identified.
On a phone, swipe left for more columns.
| Comparison item | Offer A | Offer B | Buyer action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airflow | Required duty point shown | Maximum catalog flow only | Request flow at the actual required pressure |
| Pressure | Fan static pressure | Fan total pressure | Align the definition and installation basis |
| Power | Fan shaft absorbed power | Installed motor nameplate kW | Ask for comparable shaft/electrical input values |
| Speed / density | Specified RPM and air density | Not stated | Clarify reference conditions and speed |
| Evidence | Selection curve and datasheet | Only a model description | Request traceable selection evidence |
The example illustrates a comparison method, not a real QIYUE FAN selection or measured test. Where energy performance matters, see how to compare fan efficiency at a consistent duty point.
3. Confirm exactly what is included in the price
Two offers may name the same fan series but include different equipment. Break down the scope before comparing the total price.
On a phone, swipe left for more columns.
| Scope to compare | Questions for the supplier |
|---|---|
| Fan assembly | Casing, impeller, shaft, bearings, guards, inlet cone, base frame, inspection doors and seals: included or excluded? |
| Motor | Motor included? Manufacturer, model, voltage/frequency, enclosure and efficiency class agreed? |
| Drive & controls | Belts, pulleys, coupling, VFD, damper, actuator and local control panel included or excluded? |
| Accessories | Anti-vibration mounts, flexible connectors, silencers, expansion joints, matching flanges and fasteners included? |
| Documentation & testing | Datasheet, GA drawing, balancing record, test report, certificates, O&M manual and witness/third-party inspection included? |
| Export packing | Export packaging type, package size/weight, treatment where required and marking responsibility defined? |
4. Compare the commercial conditions on one basis
Standardize currency, Incoterms® rule and named place, payment milestones, manufacturing lead time, warranty starting point, packing and freight responsibility. Do not treat an EXW factory price as directly comparable to an FOB or CIF price.
- Delivery basis: EXW, FCA, FOB, CIF or other agreed term, with the named location and Incoterms version stated.
- Lead time: clarify whether it begins after deposit, drawing approval or full technical confirmation.
- Payment: deposit, balance trigger, document release and any inspection hold point.
- Warranty: duration, start event, coverage, exclusions, spare parts and claim procedure.
- Risk allocation: responsibility for site installation, commissioning, third-party inspections, export/import formalities and destination-market compliance.
5. Require a transparent deviation list
Ask all suppliers to identify each difference between the RFQ and the offer. An alternative material, motor voltage, testing scope or approved drawing cannot be hidden in general remarks.
On a phone, swipe left for more columns.
| RFQ requirement | Supplier offer | Status | Decision required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approved gas-contact material | Different grade proposed | Deviation | Confirm compatibility and approve or reject |
| 400 V / 50 Hz motor | 380 V / 50 Hz motor | Deviation | Check destination supply and project approval |
| Witness performance test | Routine workshop checks only | Deviation | Agree test method, facility and cost before PO |
| FOB named port | EXW factory gate | Commercial deviation | Re-price on a comparable trade basis |
Procurement decision pathway - illustrative framework, not a supplier rating.
6. Build a simple supplier comparison scorecard
A practical scoring system should separate mandatory pass/fail requirements from preferences. Do not assign a high score to price if the fan has not yet demonstrated the required duty or essential compliance.
On a phone, swipe left for more columns.
| Evaluation gate | Recommended approach |
|---|---|
| Mandatory technical compliance | Pass/fail: duty point, media, material, safety and destination requirements |
| Evidence quality | Compare completeness of curve, datasheet, drawing and deviation list |
| Supply scope | Normalize motors, accessories, controls, packing and testing |
| Commercial comparison | Compare evaluated total project cost on the same delivery basis |
| Delivery and service risk | Review realistic lead time, document support, warranty and replacement parts |
7. Questions to resolve before issuing the purchase order
- Does each offer identify the fan operating point and pressure basis?
- Are the final fan and motor configuration documented, including rotation and outlet angle?
- Are all scope exclusions and technical deviations closed or accepted in writing?
- Are drawing approval, inspection and release milestones reflected in the order?
- Are lead time, Incoterms, packing, warranty, documentation and spare-parts responsibilities unambiguous?
For project document control, use our technical documentation package guide. You can also browse industrial centrifugal fans, dust collection fans and boiler and high-temperature fans to connect the final duty to the appropriate product family.
Frequently asked questions
Should the lowest-priced industrial fan quotation win?
Only if the fan meets the mandatory duty and compliance requirements and all equipment, tests, accessories, documents and delivery costs have been normalized. The lowest initial equipment price is not necessarily the lowest evaluated project cost.
Can two fans with the same motor kW be considered equivalent?
No. Installed motor kW alone does not define airflow, static or total pressure, shaft absorbed power, efficiency, speed or application suitability.
What should I request if the suppliers selected different fan models?
Request a revised technical datasheet, the selection point on the performance curve, fan and motor configuration, dimensioned layout, included scope and deviation list for each proposal.
When should third-party inspection be specified?
Before order placement. Agree inspection scope, access, test procedures, acceptance criteria, costs and shipment release conditions in the contract or inspection and test plan.
Send us your application, duty point, operating conditions, drawings, motor requirements, quantity and destination. Our team can review an appropriate fan configuration and technical quotation scope.
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