A real ACP or aluminium coil quotation states the core, coating, total thickness and skin gauge, alloy, colour and gloss, quantity, Incoterm and price validity — anything missing usually hides a cheaper grade. The number alone means nothing: a low ACP price is almost always a thinner skin or a PE core. Put every quote on the same specification and the true winner is obvious. Here is the checklist to hold each quote against.
The line items a real quote includes
A complete ACP quote states: core (PE / FR / A2), coating (PVDF / PE) and micron, total thickness and aluminium skin gauge (e.g. 4mm / 0.50mm), colour RAL and gloss, panel size, quantity, unit price, Incoterm (FOB or CIF your port), lead time and price validity. For coil, add alloy, temper, coil width and inner diameter. If any of these are absent, ask — the gaps are where grade gets cut.
Where a cheap price hides
A “cheaper” ACP almost always trades away something you cannot see in the number: a 0.21mm skin instead of 0.50mm, a PE core instead of FR, a thinner coating, or a lighter alloy. Two quotes are only comparable when core, coating, thickness and skin gauge match. Compare like for like and the real price gap shrinks or reverses.
Incoterm and validity change the number
FOB and CIF are different prices — CIF includes freight and insurance to your port, FOB does not. Always compare on the same Incoterm to your port. And because aluminium tracks the LME, a quote should state how long it holds; a price with no validity is not a firm price. Confirm both before comparing.
Turning quotes into a fair comparison
Build a one-line spec — core, coating+micron, total/skin thickness, alloy, RAL+gloss, quantity, Incoterm to your port, validity — and require every supplier to quote it exactly. A real factory answers all of it; a trader dodges the skin gauge or core. Once the specs match, choose on price, lead time and certificates with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
What must an ACP quote state? Core (PE/FR/A2), coating and micron, total thickness and skin gauge, colour RAL and gloss, quantity, Incoterm and price validity.
Why is one ACP quote much cheaper? It usually cuts something unseen — thinner skin, PE core, thinner coating or lighter alloy. Compare like-for-like specs.
Does FOB or CIF matter when comparing? Yes — CIF includes freight/insurance to your port, FOB does not. Compare on the same Incoterm to the same port.
Why does a quote need a validity date? Aluminium tracks the LME and moves; a price with no validity is not firm. Confirm how long it holds.
Related: ACP price 2026 · ACP facade panel thickness · FR vs PE core ACP.
Talk to the factory: GSM BuildTech (Beijing Guanshimao Technology Co., Ltd.) makes FR aluminium composite panels, PVDF aluminium coil and insulated aluminium panels in Tianjin, China, and welcomes factory audits, samples, mock-ups and third-party inspection. Email sales@insulatedaluminumroof.com or WhatsApp +86 155 2274 6824. See the technical reference & FAQ.