Quick Answer: What Should a Container House Quote Include?
A complete container house quote should state, in writing: the unit price and its basis (EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP), the exact specification (size, layout, insulation, finishes, electrical), packing method (flat pack vs welded), freight and inland transport, foundation and installation if included, lead time, warranty, and spare parts. If any of those are missing, you are not comparing quotes — you are comparing guesses.
Why Most Container House Quotes Are Not Comparable
Two suppliers can both write “$12,000” and mean completely different things. One may quote EXW (you collect from the factory and pay everything onward); the other may quote DDP (delivered to your site with duty paid). The first looks cheaper and is usually the more expensive option once freight, duty and haulage are added.
The fix is simple: always ask for the quote on the same Incoterm, with the same specification, before you compare a single number.
What a Complete Quote Must Include
- Unit price — clearly labelled ex-works/factory or delivered.
- Model and options — size, layout, insulation thickness, wall and floor finishes, windows, doors, electrical and plumbing scope.
- Packing — flat-pack (CKD) vs welded, and how many units load per container.
- Transport — sea freight, port charges, inland haulage and craning.
- Foundation — whether the supplier provides or installs it.
- Incoterm — who pays what, and where cost and risk transfer.
- Lead time — production days plus shipping days, with the start point defined.
- Warranty and spares — structural warranty length and availability of parts.
- Validity — how long the price holds, and what can change it.
Incoterms Explained (EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP)
| Incoterm | Supplier covers | You cover | Risk transfers |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | The unit at the factory | Loading, export clearance, freight, insurance, import, inland, install | At the factory gate |
| FOB (Free On Board) | Unit + export clearance + loading to the vessel | Sea freight, insurance, import duty, inland, install | When goods are on board at origin port |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) | Unit + freight + insurance to destination port | Import duty/VAT, port charges, inland, foundation, install | At the destination port |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | Everything to your site, including duty | Usually foundation and installation (confirm) | At your site |
For most first-time buyers CIF or DDP is easier to budget, because the supplier handles the shipping complexity. FOB suits buyers who already have a freight forwarder and customs broker. EXW is only sensible if you genuinely control logistics from the factory.
Hidden Costs That Surprise Buyers
Even a “complete” quote often excludes the following. Budget for them separately:
| Item | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Site preparation and levelling | $500–3,000 | Access, grading, drainage, hardcore pad |
| Craning / offloading | $300–1,500 | Site crane can add $800–2,000 if a reach-stacker cannot reach |
| Foundation | $2,000–6,000 | Piers, blocks or concrete slab depending on soil and load |
| Utility tie-in (water, sewer, power) | $3,000–8,000 | Distance to mains drives the cost |
| Permits, drawings and inspections | $1,500–5,000 | Varies widely by jurisdiction |
| Import duty and VAT/GST | 0% to 20%+ | Depends on HS code and country |
| Currency and surcharge movement | 2–5% | Freight and steel prices can move between quote and order |
| Storage if delivery is early | $50–200/month | If your site is not ready when the unit lands |
How to Request a Quote (RFQ Template)
Send a short, structured request. Suppliers quote faster and more accurately when nothing is left open:
- Model / type — flat pack, folding, expandable or space capsule.
- Size — 20ft or 40ft, and single or double unit.
- Quantity — first order and expected annual volume.
- Layout — number of rooms, bathroom, kitchenette.
- Specification — insulation thickness, climate requirements, glazing.
- Electrical — voltage, frequency, plug type, AC provisions.
- Destination — nearest port and final site, with access notes.
- Incoterm — EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP.
- Timeline — required delivery date and installation window.
- Branding — any OEM colour, logo or layout requirements.
Comparing Quotes Like-for-Like
- Normalise every quote to one Incoterm before comparing.
- Check the specification line by line — a thinner wall or fewer windows explains a lower price.
- Convert to landed cost per square metre, not per unit, to compare different sizes fairly.
- Ask for the price-break table so you can see where a small quantity change pays off.
- Confirm what is excluded as carefully as what is included.
Red Flags in a Container House Quote
- A price far below every other supplier, with no explanation of the specification.
- No itemisation — one lump sum with no breakdown of unit, freight and services.
- Pressure to pay 100% upfront, or payment to a personal account.
- Refusal to allow a pre-shipment inspection by a third party.
- Vague specification (“standard insulation”, “good quality”) with no thickness or material stated.
- No written warranty, or a warranty that only covers “manufacturing defects” with no duration.
- Incoterms omitted entirely, leaving who pays what ambiguous.
- Lead times that change after deposit without a written amendment.
Payment Milestones and Terms
A balanced schedule protects both sides:
- 30% deposit to start production.
- 40% before shipment, released against inspection photos or a third-party report.
- 30% on documents (bill of lading or delivery), or on arrival for DDP.
Alternatives include a letter of credit (L/C) for large orders, or escrow for first-time transactions. Avoid paying the full amount before production, and never pay outside a documented contract.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- What exactly is included vs excluded, item by item?
- Which Incoterm applies, and where does cost and risk transfer?
- What is the lead time, and what happens if it slips?
- Which inspections and certifications apply, and can I appoint a third party?
- What is the warranty duration and what does it actually cover?
- Who supplies spare parts, and how quickly?
- What is the revision policy if my specification changes after signing?
- How long is the price valid, and what can change it?
FAQ
What does EXW / FOB / CIF / DDP mean?
They are Incoterms that define who pays and bears risk at each stage. EXW is collection at the factory; FOB means the supplier loads to the vessel and you arrange freight onward; CIF adds freight and insurance to your destination port; DDP is delivered to your site with duty paid.
Why do container house quotes vary so much?
Usually because they are not on the same basis. Differences in specification, packing, Incoterm and included services explain most of the gap. Always compare quotes on the same Incoterm and the same written specification.
Should I get a sample unit first?
For a first order or a large project, a 1–2 unit sample is cheap insurance. It validates build quality, packaging, documentation and assembly before you commit to volume.
How do I avoid surprise costs?
Require an itemised quote listing inclusions and exclusions, confirm the Incoterm and lead time in writing, and budget separately for site prep, craning, foundation, utilities and duty.
Is a lower unit price always a better deal?
No. A low unit price on EXW terms with excluded freight and duty often ends up more expensive than a higher CIF or DDP price. Compare landed cost, not the headline unit price.
What payment terms are normal for a container house?
A common structure is 30% deposit, 40% before shipment, 30% on documents or delivery. Large orders may use a letter of credit. Avoid paying the full amount upfront.
How long is a container house quote valid?
Usually 15–30 days, because steel prices and sea freight move. If a quote is older than that, ask for a re-confirmation before relying on it.
Can I change the specification after getting a quote?
Usually yes, but it will re-price the order. Ask in advance about the revision policy and how changes affect cost and lead time, and get any amendment in writing.
