Half the quote requests we receive can’t be priced on the first pass — not because the project is unusual, but because the inquiry is missing two or three numbers. Here is exactly what a factory needs to give you a firm price in 24 hours, and which Incoterm actually suits your situation.
The six numbers that make a quote firm
- Roof area in m² (or panel count and length).
- Panel thickness — or your target U-value/climate and we propose one.
- Core type: PU (B2) or PIR (B1); see the core comparison.
- Destination port — freight is quoted per container to a named port.
- Color/coating — PVDF standard colors are stocked; custom RAL adds days.
- Accessories — ridge caps, flashing, screws; typically 8–12% of panel value.
Which Incoterm should you ask for?
EXW suits buyers with their own China forwarder. FOB Tianjin/Xingang is the cleanest split — factory handles export clearance, you control the sea leg. CIF to your port is simplest for first-time importers: one price, one invoice. We quote all three; the spread between FOB and CIF is pure freight+insurance you can benchmark yourself.
Common quote traps
Watch for quotes that exclude accessories, quote PU when you asked PIR, or price 0.4mm faces against 0.7mm. Our guide on comparing supplier quotes covers the line-by-line check, and the Doha page shows a worked CIF example for the Gulf.
FAQ
Q: How long is a quote valid?
Typically 15 days — aluminum ingot pricing moves with the LME.
Q: Do you quote DDP?
Case by case; import duty varies by country and buyer license, so most clients prefer CIF plus their own broker.
Q: Is there a quantity break?
Yes, at 2 and 5 containers; single-container orders are still factory-direct priced.
Need a quote? Send your roof area, location and target U-value to sales@insulatedaluminumroof.com or WhatsApp +86 155 2274 6824. GSM BuildTech ships insulated Great Wall aluminum panels (长城瓦) factory-direct from Tianjin, China.