| Product requested | Graphite electrode, nominally 200 mm diameter × 1,800 mm length; confirm grade and connection details. | Graphite electrode, nominally 200 mm diameter × 1,800 mm length; confirm grade and connection details. | Confirm that the offered item matches the requested dimensions, grade, and connection details. |
| Quality verification | Request a batch-specific certificate of analysis and agreed test results. | Request a batch-specific certificate of analysis and agreed test results. | Request the original manufacturer’s batch documents and confirm traceability. |
| Key quality checks | Verify grade, dimensions and tolerances, bulk density, electrical resistivity, flexural strength, and appearance against the purchase specification. | Verify grade, dimensions and tolerances, bulk density, electrical resistivity, flexural strength, and appearance against the purchase specification. | Check the same technical properties and ensure the documents correspond to the supplied batch. |
| Delivery information to obtain | Written production lead time, dispatch point, packing details, and shipment schedule. | Written production lead time, dispatch point, packing details, and shipment schedule. | Written confirmation of available stock, storage location, dispatch date, and shipment schedule. |
| Cost comparison basis | Compare a dated quotation for the specified grade, quantity, packaging, and delivery term. | Compare a dated quotation for the specified grade, quantity, packaging, and delivery term. | Compare the delivered cost, including product price, handling, freight, insurance, and applicable duties. |
| Price and lead time | Obtain current written quotation; not comparable without order and destination details. | Obtain current written quotation; not comparable without order and destination details. | Obtain current written quotation and stock confirmation; availability is order-specific. |
| Best comparison practice | Compare documented product performance and total delivered cost. | Compare documented product performance, shipment plan, and total delivered cost. | Verify manufacturer traceability, batch documents, stock status, and total delivered cost. |