A furniture quote should help you make the next decision with confidence. That becomes difficult when two proposals describe different materials, quantities or delivery arrangements. Before comparing the totals, make sure you are comparing the same project.

For a hotel renovation, that might mean separating guestroom casegoods from lobby seating. For a restaurant opening, it might mean distinguishing dining chairs, booths and table bases. A clear brief gives every supplier the same starting point.

Start with one furniture schedule

Give each item a reference code and record its description, dimensions, finish, quantity and intended location. Keep the same references on your floor plan, drawings and quotations. When a finish changes, update the schedule version so everyone is pricing the current selection.

Record whether an item is a catalogue selection or requires custom development. A photograph communicates a design direction, but it does not replace a specification for materials, construction or dimensions.

Compare what each price includes

Ask suppliers to identify the scope of each line item. For seating, confirm whether the proposed upholstery and finish are included. For tables, check whether the price covers the top, base and any assembly requirements. For casegoods, review the drawings and hardware rather than relying on the item name alone.

Separate furniture costs from freight, taxes, storage and installation where those services apply. Record the quoted currency and any exclusions. A lower furniture subtotal may not be the lower total project cost once the same scope is included.

Ask when the lead-time clock starts

Discuss the milestones behind the proposed delivery date: design review, drawings, finish approvals, payment requirements, production and transportation. Ask which decisions must be complete before production can be scheduled.

If your opening or renovation is phased, describe the required delivery sequence. Confirm who will receive the goods, what access the site provides and whether storage or a later delivery appointment will be needed. Your project schedule should distinguish an estimated date from a confirmed commitment.

Plan quantities and timing around the product

For many manufactured orders, CFS Hospitality typically allows six to eight weeks for manufacturing plus approximately six weeks for global shipping. That means an estimated 12 to 14 weeks before the product is ready to dispatch from Vancouver. Onward delivery to your site takes additional time. Confirm the schedule for your selected products and allow for the required order, payment and specification approvals.

Some stocked products offer a shorter route. Available Synthatops and most table bases can typically dispatch from our Vancouver warehouse within one to two business days, subject to stock and order confirmation. Dispatch is the departure from our warehouse, rather than arrival at your project.

Order quantities vary by collection and design. Our European collection has no minimum order requirement. Standard designs commonly start at around 20 units; selected designs may accommodate 10 to 20 units with an additional charge. Custom manufacturing typically starts at 50 units, with 100 units preferred for some designs depending on materials and complexity. Confirm the applicable minimum for each item in your furniture schedule.

Coordinate delivery with the site team

CFS Hospitality delivers to project sites across North America. Include the destination, access restrictions and delivery phases in your brief. Confirm installation and other site services separately in your quotation.

Use a comparison checklist

• Are the quantities, dimensions and finishes equivalent?
• Are upholstery, hardware and customization clearly specified?
• What approvals are outstanding, and who owns each decision?
• What delivery services and site responsibilities are included?
• What are the payment terms, quote validity and change procedures?
• What warranty, care instructions and replacement options apply to the actual products?

Bring the questions back to your project

If a quote includes an alternative material or design, ask the supplier to identify the difference clearly. An alternative can be useful, but the project team needs to understand what it changes before approval.

Explore CFS Hospitality’s hotel furniture and restaurant furniture options, then share your project brief. For a hotel guestroom package, restaurant brand rollout, banquet seating order or custom hospitality project, include your location, room or location count, quantities by item, target opening date and furniture schedule. These details help our team assess the right products and production approach. For more background, read our costs and lead-times guide.