The lowest mold price is not always the lowest project cost. Two suppliers may quote the same plastic part but include different work, make different design assumptions or plan for different production volumes. Before choosing a supplier, compare these three points.
1. Are they quoting the same part?
Make sure both quotes use the same drawing or CAD revision, material, expected quantity and quality requirements. If the design is still being developed, ask which details remain open. A change to part geometry or material after quotation may change both tooling and molded-part costs.
2. What does the mold quote include?
Compare the terms that can change the final cost: how many mold trials and sample sets are included, how many samples are provided free of charge, and whether mold corrections are included until the agreed sample requirements are met. Ask what counts as a correction to meet the approved design and what would be treated as a customer-requested design change. Get these terms in writing before tooling starts.
3. What happens after the first acceptable sample?
Ask how the supplier will move from mold trials to an approved production sample and repeatable molding. Compare the quoted part price using the same resin, batch size, inspection, finishing, assembly and packaging requirements. If you need a small production batch before mass production, include that requirement in the discussion.
A clear quotation should show what is included, what remains to be decided and how the mold will support the planned production—not just the first trial. PlasticNavi connects mold engineering and trials with injection molding production so these decisions can be reviewed together.
Planning a new mold and production run? Send us your drawing, CAD file, sample or project brief. If you are unsure what to prepare, see our injection mold quote requirements.
