QUOTE COMPARISON GUIDE
How to compare two 3PL quotes.
Start with the same month of activity. Then turn every quoted fee into a monthly amount before comparing the totals.
1. Define your comparison month
Write down orders, average units per order, average pallets stored and inbound pallets. Use your own forecast. A quiet month and a peak month can produce different winners, so keep each scenario separate.
2. Match the billing units
A price per pallet is not directly comparable with a price per bin or cubic foot. Ask each provider to quote your actual storage requirements in a comparable unit. Also check whether the first item is included in the order fee and when an additional-pick fee applies.
3. Build the monthly estimate
For the model used by our calculator, pick-and-pack equals orders × [first-pick fee + (units per order − 1) × additional-pick fee]. Apply the fulfillment minimum to that subtotal, then add storage, receiving and fixed fees. This assumes at least one unit per order.
A worked example
At 1,000 orders and 1.5 units per order, a $2 first pick and $0.50 additional pick produce $2,250 in pick-and-pack charges. Add 20 stored pallets at $35 ($700), 10 inbound pallets at $25 ($250) and $200 in fixed fees: the estimate is $3,400. A $1,500 pick-and-pack minimum adds nothing because the $2,250 subtotal already exceeds it. All rates here are fictional.
4. List what the estimate excludes
Our tool excludes postage, packaging, taxes, returns, setup and special projects. Request those prices separately. Check peak surcharges, minimum scope, contract term, cancellation charges and service requirements directly in each quote. A lower modeled total is only one part of the decision.
5. Repeat at low and peak volumes
Use the free calculator for one month at a time and export the CSV. The volume scenario pack keeps three scenarios together in an offline report.
Next: understand monthly minimums →
This guide explains Margin Desk's calculation model. Actual contracts may use different rules. Limitations and privacy.