What a typical quotation includes
Expect a unit price by core size and material, the efficiency basis, EXW or FOB value, lead time, and payment terms such as T/T 30 percent deposit and 70 percent before shipment.
Details to pin down
Confirm whether the stated efficiency is sensible or enthalpy, the test standard used, and whether tooling or mold fees are separate. Currency and validity period also matter when raw-material prices move.
Negotiation levers
Volume commitments, an annual framework agreement and consolidated container shipping give the strongest negotiating position with Chinese heat-exchanger suppliers.
Reading a Chinese supplier quotation for heat-recovery equipment takes practice. A complete quote should list the core type, plate material, number of plates, frame construction, operating temperatures, pressure-drop allowance, and test or certification references. Vague entries such as "stainless steel" without a grade should be challenged, because 304 and 316L behave very differently in corrosive duty and the wrong choice shortens service life.
Watch the included scope: does the price cover fans, controls, and filters, or only the core? Delivery terms such as EXW, FOB, and CIF, the payment schedule, and the warranty length are equally important. A low headline price can hide omitted components or thin after-sales support, both of which raise total cost over the project life.
Ask for the thermal performance curve, not just a single point, and confirm how the supplier defines effectiveness. Request references from similar projects and, where possible, a factory or third-party inspection. For corrosive or hygienic applications, pin down the exact material certificate so the delivered core matches the approved specification.
Reputable Chinese manufacturers respond to these questions with data rather than hesitation, and that responsiveness is itself a strong signal of reliability. Build the quotation review into your sourcing checklist, compare at least two or three qualified suppliers, and keep the evaluated criteria on record. This disciplined approach reduces the chance of surprise Field failures and makes future reorders faster and safer.