How to compare equipment quotes and build the opening budget
Startup Costs | Blank working worksheet | September 6, 2026
https://startup-costs.com/guides/equipment-quotes/

Result to produce: A comparable two-quote cost calculation and a supplier commitment record.

Business and format:
Address or service area:
Prepared by:
Date:

BEFORE YOU START
Start with the output the business needs to deliver and the premises constraints. Gather quotes for the same capacity and installation scope. Every example amount below is authored, not a current supplier price.

CALCULATION INPUTS
Quote A: equipment (USD):
Quote A: delivery (USD):
Quote A: installation and setup (USD):
Quote A: other required costs (USD):
Quote B: equipment (USD):
Quote B: delivery (USD):
Quote B: installation and setup (USD):
Quote B: other required costs (USD):

Use the guide calculator for formulas and results. Enter your own values and retain the evidence for each assumption.

DECISION RECORD
1. Operating requirement
Throughput, workload, dimensions and required utilities
Finding or value:
Evidence, scope and date:
Status (Unverified / Assumed / Supported / Needs review):
Next action, person and date:

2. Quote identity
Supplier, specification, condition, date and validity
Finding or value:
Evidence, scope and date:
Status (Unverified / Assumed / Supported / Needs review):
Next action, person and date:

3. Complete scope
Equipment, delivery, installation, setup and required extras
Finding or value:
Evidence, scope and date:
Status (Unverified / Assumed / Supported / Needs review):
Next action, person and date:

4. Exclusions
Unknown costs, premises work and responsibility
Finding or value:
Evidence, scope and date:
Status (Unverified / Assumed / Supported / Needs review):
Next action, person and date:

5. Payments
Amount, trigger, date and cancellation or refund terms
Finding or value:
Evidence, scope and date:
Status (Unverified / Assumed / Supported / Needs review):
Next action, person and date:

6. Selection
Comparable total, material differences and next verification
Finding or value:
Evidence, scope and date:
Status (Unverified / Assumed / Supported / Needs review):
Next action, person and date:

DECISION RULES
If: One quote excludes required scope
Action: Complete or separately price that scope before comparing totals.

If: A utility or access condition is unresolved
Action: Resolve it before placing the dependent order.

If: The added capacity does not address the bottleneck
Action: Revisit the purchase against the tested operating plan.

YOUR DECISION
Next commitment:
Conditions still to resolve:
Decision and reason:
Next review date:

Sources and background:
SBA: managing a business: https://www.sba.gov/counseling/manage-your-business/

This is a blank personal planning worksheet. Its completion is not an approval, a market estimate or a completed state research record.
The examples and calculator defaults on the guide are authored illustrations. Keep your own evidence and limitations with any result.
Financial information supports planning and education and is not personalized financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Results do not guarantee costs, revenue, profit or financing.