'Please quote your best price' rarely yields comparable figures. Even with identical tea names, net weights, packaging, testing documentation, and delivery terms can differ entirely. Your initial email should clarify exactly what you wish to buy, where it must be delivered, and how it will be used.
Structure Questions into Clear Fields for Suppliers to Answer
You could begin like this: 'We operate a café in Germany and are evaluating matcha for use in hot and iced lattes. Please quote separately for culinary-use powder, estimated monthly volume, required packaging sizes, and sample quantities.' Follow this with your delivery country and postcode, target dates, whether local-language labelling is required, and the specific batch testing items you need to verify. For loose-leaf tea, add the tea category, leaf grade/shape, and estimated monthly volume; for gift sets, specify contents per box, recipient headcount, and whether delivery involves split addresses.
Ask suppliers to itemise pricing: the weight basis used for unit prices, sample fees, packaging costs, who bears freight and taxes, and quotation validity periods. Do not treat catalogue prices in US dollars as landed costs in Europe. MOQs, lead times, and inventory should also be stated separately; do not let 'in stock' substitute for hard figures.
Review Responses on a Like-for-Like Basis
Convert quotations from different suppliers to equivalent net weights and delivery locations before comparing documents and samples. Responses lacking testing reports, batch references, Food Business Operator details, or import arrangements should be flagged as pending information rather than automatically marked as passed or failed. Jiang Rong Hao's current catalogue is available for selection; specific specifications, pricing, and European delivery arrangements remain subject to confirmation in official quotations.