Start with a defined order
Record the unit quantity, price, currency, packaging, tooling allocation, and payment assumptions. Keep recurring costs separate from one-time development costs so the first order and repeat orders remain comparable.
Add the physical journey
Map origin pickup, export handling, freight, insurance if selected, destination handling, customs services, duties, taxes, and delivery. Ask which charges are estimates and which are fixed within the quotation validity.
Allow for preparation and exceptions
Receiving, labels, inspection, storage, financing, defects, and returns may affect the economics. Model credible scenarios rather than treating an optimistic quotation as a final margin.
Use a range when inputs are uncertain
Freight, exchange rates, customs assessments, and order quantities can change. Make the uncertain inputs explicit and revisit the calculation before committing to the purchase. Obtain specialist tax and customs advice where needed.
Your next practical step
Put the details you already know into a project brief. Mark the uncertain items as questions so the next conversation can resolve them.
Start your brief