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. This is a manual calculation: the calculator has no density field and does not convert mass to volume.

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.

§ 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 12 October 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

Choose a reference unit and compare the same material and specification. Kg and tonnes convert directly; moving between mass and volume requires material data and a separate calculation. For a pallet, check the supplier’s declared contents: the calculator does not infer them.

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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

Compare equivalent materials and total prices including delivery. The free calculator normalises multiple quotes in compatible units; quality, availability and terms remain part of your decision.

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FAQ

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Continue

Go deeper with the related resources.

Glossary

Delivery note (DDT)

The Italian DDT (delivery note) accompanies goods and records sender, recipient, items and quantities. In archim, fields proposed from a photo or PDF must be reviewed and confirmed.

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