How do I convert kg to m³?

You need the material density. For example, concrete weighs about 2,400 kg/m³. Divide the weight by the density to get the volume, then calculate the price per cubic metre.

Is the cheapest supplier always best?

Not necessarily. If the cheapest supplier has long lead times or uncertain quality, the initial saving can turn into hidden costs.

Does archim keep a price history?

Yes. In archim every purchase is linked to supplier, item and site, letting you analyse price trends over time and compare suppliers for the same item.

Construction supplier price comparison: practical guide for companies

§ 01 / Guides

Supplier price comparison: how to tell if you're overpaying

How to normalise prices with different units of measure and find the genuinely cheapest offer.

5 min readUpdated 31 August 2026Reviewed by Matthieu Crétier

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In short: Supplier price comparison: how to tell if you're overpaying

How to normalise prices with different units of measure and find the genuinely cheapest offer.

What this guide covers

•1. Convert everything to the same unit
•2. Include transport and extras
•3. Consider quality and availability

Comparing supplier quotes seems easy until units of measure start changing: one quotes per quintal, another per cubic metre, another per pallet. Without normalisation you risk choosing the most expensive offer without knowing it. In this guide we see how to compare correctly.

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1. Convert everything to the same unit

The first step is to pick a reference unit. For example, if you're buying concrete, choose cubic metres and convert all quotes to €/m³. Even if one supplier quotes in €/kg or €/ton, conversion is essential.

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2. Include transport and extras

A low list price can become expensive once transport, unloading, tolls or express charges are added. When comparing, use the landed price at site, not just the material price.

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3. Consider quality and availability

Price per unit matters, but it's not the only factor. Also evaluate lead times, material certification, supplier reliability and payment terms. A few cents saved per unit can turn into a loss if the material arrives late.

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4. Keep a price history

The best benchmark for judging a quote is what you've already paid in the past for the same item. If you keep a history by supplier, site and period, you immediately spot an out-of-market price.

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What to do next

A correct price comparison requires patience and a method. Once set up, the saving repeats on every subsequent purchase. Use our free tool to quickly normalise offers with different units.

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FAQ

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Continue

Go deeper with the related resources.

Glossary

Delivery note (DDT)

The DDT (documento di trasporto) is the document that accompanies goods leaving the sender. It states who ships, who receives, what is being transported and in what quantity.

Tool

Supplier price comparison

Normalise quotes with different units and find the real price per unit.

Feature

Same material, two suppliers, two prices

Purchase analytics shows what you pay for each item over time and from which supplier. archim groups the same items bought across delivery notes and invoices, shows how the price has moved and compares suppliers on identical material, so you can see where you are overpaying.

Compare supplier prices with our tool

Enter quotes with different units and find the lowest real price per unit.

Book a free demo

Supplier price comparison: how to tell if you're overpaying | archim