| Test-method suitability | 15% | Confirm that the tester’s motion, stroke, speed, load application, and specimen mounting suit the material and test procedure you intend to use. | Operating manual, technical specification, test-method description, and a demonstration using a representative specimen. | Accept when the supplier explains how the proposed configuration performs the required test. Verify any claimed standard against the current published standard and your laboratory’s procedure. |
| Configuration and operating range | 15% | Check adjustable stroke length, speed range, cycle count, applied load options, fixture compatibility, and the number of test stations. | Datasheet listing measurement units, adjustment increments, supplied fixtures, and optional accessories. | Compare the stated ranges with your required test conditions; identify any limits or optional components in writing. |
| Repeatability and measurement control | 12% | Review how motion, cycle counting, load, and test duration are controlled. Clarify how the machine is checked and adjusted. | Factory inspection or test record, calibration or verification procedure, and details of any included measurement devices. | Look for documented checks and clearly stated measurement uncertainty or tolerances where applicable. Do not treat a general accuracy claim as a substitute for supporting records. |
| Build quality and safety | 12% | Inspect frame stability, moving-part protection, emergency stopping arrangements, electrical protection, and access to replaceable wear parts. | Product photographs or live video, user manual, maintenance instructions, and applicable conformity documentation for the destination market. | Confirm that safeguards and electrical requirements match your workplace and import destination; request clarification for any missing documentation. |
| Quality management and traceability | 10% | Assess whether the supplier can identify the equipment configuration, record final inspection, and manage changes or nonconformities. | Relevant quality-system certificate, equipment serial-number process, inspection checklist, and sample final inspection record. | Check certificate scope, issuing body, validity, and whether the documents relate to the supplying legal entity and product. |
| Factory verification and communication | 10% | Establish whether the contact is the manufacturer or a trading intermediary, and whether technical questions receive specific, consistent answers. | Business registration details, factory or production evidence, video inspection, and written responses to a technical questionnaire. | Confirm the contracting entity and payment beneficiary. Evaluate answers against the manual and quotation rather than relying on verbal assurances. |
| After-sales support and spare parts | 8% | Clarify installation guidance, operator training, troubleshooting support, warranty coverage, and availability of wear parts and replacement fixtures. | Written warranty terms, service contact details, response-time policy, parts list, and parts lead-time estimate. | Ensure warranty exclusions, service channels, and the party responsible for support are stated in the purchase documents. |
| Export and delivery readiness | 8% | Check packing method, shipment terms, delivery schedule, export paperwork, and whether the equipment requires special handling. | Pro-forma invoice, packing details, proposed Incoterms® rule and named place, lead-time estimate, and sample shipping documents if available. | Compare quotations on the same delivery basis. Confirm who arranges freight, insurance, customs clearance, and any destination charges. |
| Quotation clarity and total cost | 5% | Identify the base machine, included accessories, optional items, software or data-output features, taxes, and recurring costs. | Itemized quotation with model configuration, currency, validity period, payment terms, and exclusions. | Compare equivalent configurations and include delivery, import costs, installation, training, and likely spare parts in the cost assessment. |
| Pre-shipment acceptance | 5% | Agree how the supplied configuration and basic operation will be checked before dispatch. | Signed configuration checklist, inspection photos or live video, and a recorded functional test where agreed. | Define acceptance criteria and required records in the purchase order before payment or shipment. |
| Total | 100% | Score each dimension using the same evidence-based scale for every quotation. Record exceptions and unresolved questions before making a selection. |