CAT TREES / SUPPLIER REVIEW
How to compare cat tree suppliers.
Compare cat tree suppliers on one model specification, company roles, sample terms, carton data and quotation scope before a wholesale order.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Compare cat tree suppliers against one written model specification, not against photographs. Send every supplier the same brief, then compare the component schedule, packed carton data, sample terms and quotation scope they return, and confirm who manufactures, who exports and who invoices. If any of these differ, the prices are not yet comparable.
Send every supplier the same model brief
Use one specification for the comparison: model reference or drawing, overall dimensions, the material of each base, post, platform and covering, the finish, the quantity per model and finish, and the destination. A supplier that quotes a different construction or a different packed configuration is quoting a different product, even when the photograph looks the same.
Separate the factory from the exporter
Ask who makes the product, who coordinates export and who issues the contract and invoice. Some suppliers combine a factory with a trading company; PRETTY, for example, has its own factory and a trading company for export coordination. Request the legal company details for each party involved in your order before comparing offers.
Ask for evidence that belongs to the quoted model
A styled photograph introduces a design direction; it does not establish construction, load or stability. If a claim matters to your listing, ask for the exact model, the method, the conditions and the date behind it. Check that any report or certificate names the product you are buying and covers the scope you need.
Compare samples on the same terms
Ask each supplier what the sample will answer, what it costs, how revisions are handled and how the approved version is recorded. Sample charges, revisions and timing are agreed per project, so compare what is included rather than the headline figure. The approved sample revision should become the reference for the production batch.
Normalise the quotation before comparing totals
Check whether each price includes hardware, the instruction sheet, protective packing, labels, the shipping carton and any spare parts. Ask for packed carton dimensions, gross weight and units per carton, and the trade terms used. Ask for MOQ by model and finish rather than as one total, and for sample, production and transit time to be stated separately.
Check how parts and repeat orders are handled
Ask how parts are coded, how a missing or damaged component would be identified, and how replacement parts are ordered for the exact model. For repeat orders, confirm that the supplier will quote against the approved revision and flag any material or packing change before production.
| Compare | Ask each supplier for | Review question |
|---|---|---|
| Model specification | Component materials, dimensions, finish and version | Is every supplier quoting the same construction? |
| Company roles | Manufacturer, exporter and invoicing party | Who is responsible for the product and the documents? |
| Sample record | Sample scope, charge, revisions and approval record | Which revision will define the batch? |
| Packed product | Carton dimensions, gross weight and units per carton | Are the figures for the configuration being quoted? |
| Quotation scope | Inclusions, exclusions, trade terms and validity | Are hardware, instructions, packing and parts included? |
Common gaps in a buying brief.
Comparing a styled photo with a priced model
Ask every supplier to quote the same written specification.
Comparing totals with different scope
List inclusions and exclusions before comparing prices.
YOUR NEXT CONVERSATION
Bring these details to the discussion.
Choose the points you want to review. Your selection will be added to the editable specification notes in your enquiry.
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