When buying custom curtains from China, the quotation is often the first document a buyer receives from a supplier.
At first glance, comparing quotations may seem simple: look at the unit price, multiply it by the quantity, and choose the lowest total.
For custom curtains, however, the actual situation is more complicated.
Two suppliers can quote completely different prices for products that appear similar because their quotations may include different fabrics, dimensions, curtain fullness, linings, hardware, packaging, or shipping services.
For hotel projects, apartment developments, villas, and wholesale orders, a detailed curtain OEM quotation makes it much easier to understand what you are actually buying.
What Is a Curtain OEM Quotation?
An OEM quotation is a price proposal prepared according to the buyer’s specifications.
Instead of offering a standard ready-made curtain, the supplier may customize:
- Curtain dimensions
- Fabric
- Color
- Pattern
- Fullness
- Heading
- Lining
- Labels
- Packaging
- Hardware
- Other project requirements
The quotation should therefore describe the product clearly enough that the buyer and supplier are referring to the same specification.
1. Product Specification
The first section should identify the curtain being quoted.
For example:
| Specification | Example |
|---|---|
| Product | Custom blackout curtain |
| Fabric | Polyester |
| Color | Warm beige |
| Finished size | 280 × 250 cm |
| Fullness | 2× |
| Heading | Ripple fold |
| Lining | Blackout |
| Quantity | 200 sets |
Without these details, the price is difficult to evaluate.
A supplier quoting “$25 per curtain” does not provide enough information if the buyer does not know what that $25 includes.
2. Fabric Information
The quotation should identify the main fabric whenever possible.
Useful information includes:
- Fabric composition
- Fabric width
- Fabric weight
- Color
- Fabric code
- Pattern
- Finish
- Blackout level
- Flame-retardant specification, if applicable
If a buyer is comparing multiple suppliers, the fabric specifications should be checked carefully.
A cheaper quotation may simply be based on a different fabric.
3. Finished Curtain Size
The supplier should clarify whether the quoted price is based on:
- Finished curtain size
- Window size
- Fabric size
- One panel
- One pair
- One complete set
This distinction is extremely important.
For example, “280 × 250 cm” could refer to the window opening or the finished curtain.
Those are not necessarily the same thing.
Always confirm what the dimensions represent before comparing prices.
4. Fullness Ratio
Curtain fullness can have a major effect on fabric consumption.
A quotation should ideally state the fullness ratio, such as:
- 1.5×
- 2×
- 2.5×
- 3×
If Supplier A quotes a 2× fullness curtain and Supplier B quotes a 2.5× fullness curtain, their prices should not be compared as though the specifications were identical.
5. Curtain Heading
The quotation should specify the curtain heading.
Possible options include:
- Ripple fold
- Pinch pleat
- Double pinch pleat
- Grommet
- Rod pocket
- Custom heading
The heading can affect both fabric construction and installation.
For hotel projects, the heading should match the selected curtain track or rod.
6. Lining
A custom curtain quotation should state whether lining is included.
Possible configurations include:
- No lining
- Standard lining
- Blackout lining
- Thermal lining
- Custom lining
If the buyer requires blackout performance, it is particularly important to clarify whether the quoted price includes a blackout fabric or a separate blackout lining.
7. Hardware
Hardware can either be included or excluded from the curtain quotation.
If the buyer needs a complete curtain system, the quotation may include:
- Curtain track
- Motorized track
- Curtain rod
- Hooks
- Brackets
- Connectors
- Other installation accessories
Never assume hardware is included simply because the supplier is selling the curtains.
Ask the supplier to list each included component.
8. Sample Cost
For custom projects, a sample may be required before mass production.
The quotation should distinguish between:
- Fabric sample
- Finished curtain sample
- Custom prototype
- Hardware sample
The buyer should also ask whether the sample fee can be deducted from the bulk order after approval.
The answer depends on the supplier’s policy.
9. Packaging
Packaging is another detail that can be overlooked.
A quotation may need to specify whether the curtains are packed:
- Individually
- In polybags
- In cartons
- By room
- By building
- With custom labels
- With installation instructions
For hotel projects, room-based packaging can be particularly useful because the installation team can identify the correct curtain more easily.
10. Custom Labels and OEM Branding
If you are purchasing curtains under your own brand, the quotation should clarify branding requirements.
Possible OEM services include:
- Woven labels
- Printed labels
- Care labels
- Custom packaging
- Carton markings
- Product tags
- Brand stickers
Ask whether these services are included in the quoted price or charged separately.
11. MOQ
The quotation should state the applicable minimum order quantity.
MOQ may be based on:
- Sets
- Panels
- Fabric quantity
- Color
- Product design
If several colors or sizes are required, ask whether they have separate MOQs.
This is particularly important for wholesale buyers who intend to purchase multiple designs.
12. Unit Price
The supplier should clearly explain the unit used for pricing.
For example:
- Price per panel
- Price per pair
- Price per set
- Price per square meter
- Price per meter of fabric
These units should never be assumed.
For example:
$20 per panel
is very different from:
$20 per complete curtain set.
Before comparing suppliers, make sure all prices use the same unit.
13. Quantity and Total Product Cost
The quotation should show the quantity used to calculate the total.
For example:
| Item | Quantity | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackout curtain | 200 sets | $28 | $5,600 |
| Sheer curtain | 200 sets | $14 | $2,800 |
| Manual track | 200 sets | $8 | $1,600 |
Product total: $10,000
A detailed breakdown is much easier to check than a single total number.
14. Shipping Cost
Shipping should be separated from the product price whenever possible.
Depending on the order, the supplier may quote:
- EXW
- FOB
- CIF
- DAP
- DDP
- Door-to-door shipping
The exact commercial terms determine what costs and responsibilities are included.
If the supplier provides a shipping quotation, confirm:
- Destination
- Shipping method
- Estimated transit time
- Freight cost
- Customs responsibility
- Whether local delivery is included
For international buyers, this can have a significant effect on the final landed cost.
15. Production Time
A quotation should ideally include the estimated production lead time.
For example:
Sample: 7–10 days
Bulk production: 25–35 days after approval
However, the actual lead time can vary depending on:
- Quantity
- Fabric availability
- Custom dyeing
- Hardware
- Production schedule
- Quality inspection
- Packaging
For projects with a fixed installation date, confirm the schedule before paying the deposit.
16. Payment Terms
The quotation should also specify payment conditions.
For example, a supplier may request:
- Deposit before production
- Balance before shipment
The exact payment arrangement depends on the supplier and order.
Buyers should make sure the payment terms are written clearly on the quotation or proforma invoice.
17. Quality Inspection
For larger projects, buyers may want to establish quality requirements before production.
The quotation or purchase agreement can reference:
- Approved sample
- Fabric specification
- Finished dimensions
- Color reference
- Stitching requirements
- Quantity
- Packaging requirements
For a large hotel order, the approved sample can serve as an important production reference.
How to Compare Two Curtain Quotations
Consider this example.
Supplier A
- Blackout fabric
- 2× fullness
- Finished curtain
- No track
- Individual packaging
- $28 per set
Supplier B
- Dimout fabric
- 1.5× fullness
- Finished curtain
- Track included
- Bulk packaging
- $25 per set
Supplier B has a lower unit price, but the specifications are different.
Therefore, the correct comparison is not simply:
$25 vs $28
Instead, compare:
Fabric + Size + Fullness + Lining + Heading + Hardware + Packaging + Shipping
This provides a more meaningful cost comparison.
A Simple Curtain OEM Quotation Template
Buyers can ask suppliers to provide quotations using a format similar to this:
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product | Custom hotel curtain |
| Fabric | Polyester blackout |
| Color | Beige |
| Finished size | 280 × 250 cm |
| Fullness | 2× |
| Heading | Ripple fold |
| Lining | Blackout |
| Hardware | Manual track |
| Quantity | 200 sets |
| Packaging | Individual carton |
| Sample | Included / Extra |
| OEM label | Included / Extra |
| Unit price | $___ |
| Product total | $___ |
| Shipping | $___ |
| Lead time | ___ days |
| Payment terms | ___ |
This format makes the quotation much easier to review.
Questions to Ask Before Accepting the Quotation
Before confirming a custom curtain order, ask the supplier:
- Is the price per panel, pair, or set?
- What exact fabric is included?
- Is the quoted size the finished curtain size?
- What fullness ratio is included?
- Is lining included?
- Is the curtain track included?
- Is packaging included?
- Is the sample included?
- What is the MOQ?
- How long is production?
- What shipping term is being quoted?
- What is the estimated shipping cost?
- What are the payment terms?
- Can the approved sample be used as the production standard?
- Are OEM labels and packaging available?
Getting these points confirmed before placing the order can prevent many common misunderstandings.
FAQ
What should a curtain OEM quotation include?
A detailed quotation should normally identify the product specification, fabric, dimensions, fullness, heading, lining, quantity, unit price, packaging, production time, payment terms, and shipping information where applicable.
Why are two curtain suppliers quoting different prices?
The suppliers may be quoting different specifications. Fabric, size, fullness, lining, hardware, packaging, and production requirements can all affect the final price.
Should curtain hardware be included in the quotation?
It depends on the project. If you need tracks, rods, or other accessories, ask the supplier to list them separately so you know exactly what is included.
Is curtain price usually calculated per set?
Not always. Some suppliers quote per panel, pair, set, square meter, or fabric meter. Always confirm the pricing unit.
Can I request an OEM quotation with my own design?
Yes. Provide the supplier with your specifications, drawings, fabric references, dimensions, colors, quantity, and branding requirements.
Should I compare suppliers based on the lowest price?
A useful comparison requires the same product specifications. Comparing only the final price can be misleading when the suppliers are quoting different materials or services.
Can shipping be included in the quotation?
Depending on the supplier and shipping arrangement, transportation can be quoted separately or as part of a delivered price. Confirm the destination and shipping terms before comparing the total cost.
Final Thoughts
A curtain OEM quotation is more than a single price.
For a proper comparison, buyers should look at the complete specification behind the price.
Fabric, finished size, fullness, lining, heading, hardware, packaging, quantity, production time, payment terms, and shipping can all change the actual cost of a custom curtain project.
If you are requesting quotations from Chinese curtain manufacturers, providing a clear specification sheet will usually make the process faster and reduce the possibility of receiving quotations based on different assumptions.
For larger hotel, apartment, villa, or wholesale projects, it is also worth confirming the final specification with a sample before mass production.
No reply content