When purchasing a chiller for a new project, most buyers request quotes from multiple suppliers in search of the best balance between price and service. However, have you noticed that even with the same specifications and components, quotes from different companies can vary significantly? Why? The answer often lies in hidden costs that are not immediately obvious in the quotation.

Some people may place an order directly after seeing a lower price quote for the same configuration. However, the quote may lack certain features and services that will require additional payment. Sometimes, the total price can be even higher than other quotes.

What are the secrets hidden in chiller supplier quotes? This blog post will reveal them and help you avoid potential pitfalls when purchasing.

Related: What Affects Chiller Cost?

Certification and Compliance Fees

Different markets require chillers to obtain different compliance certifications. For example, equipment entering the European and American markets requires CE and UL certifications.

Some manufacturers may quote the price of the equipment itself, excluding international certifications. When you request the certification report after placing the order, they may tell you that “this is a separate price.”

Yes, that price can be quite high. However, even more frustrating is that certification involves third-party testing, which inevitably extends the original delivery date. If your equipment and processes are anxiously awaiting this equipment, being unable to start production will also result in production losses.

Packaging Costs

Does your quote clearly specify packaging costs? chillers are much larger and heavier than ordinary equipment. Because they are sensitive to the shipping environment and are expensive, they require good protective measures for both domestic and international transportation.

Many chiller manufacturers’ quotes only include the most basic factory packaging. If long-distance transportation is required, especially ocean shipping, special packaging methods that are moisture-proof, shock-proof, and salt spray-proof are required.

For safety reasons, most equipment must be placed in wooden crates. This additional packaging increases the cost of the equipment.

Shipping and Delivery Costs

Manufacturer quotes often use EXW or FOB pricing, which means you are responsible for subsequent ocean freight, insurance, customs clearance, and inland transportation after arriving at your country’s port. Furthermore, if the equipment is delivered indoors, there may be additional lifting or rigging costs.

Some detailed quotes will clearly state the type of shipping and delivery included in the final price. However, some don’t. If you assume these services are included based on your purchasing experience, you could face significant trouble later.

Installation and Commissioning Costs

When the chiller finally arrives at the factory and begins installation and commissioning, you might realize you overlooked it—installation and commissioning services weren’t included in the quote, and the supplier told you they’d be charged extra.

Considering using a third-party installation company? But they might not understand your equipment. Furthermore, are you sure any equipment failures caused by self-installation will be covered by the warranty?

You might choose to pay extra for the manufacturer’s assistance, but this includes not only the cost of the engineer’s on-site installation and commissioning, but also their travel expenses.

Add these costs to the cost of the equipment itself, and you’ll find the price is even higher than other manufacturers who offer installation and commissioning services.

Warranty and Technical Support Costs

Most manufacturers offer a one-year warranty, providing free repairs and replacement parts for all equipment-related failures within that year. If you want to extend this period, you’ll have to pay an additional fee—essentially buying long-term insurance for your chiller.

In addition, some manufacturers offer services such as remote technical support, online monitoring, and scheduled maintenance, all of which may be charged.

Spare Part Packages

To maintain the proper functioning of the cooling system, many components, such as filters and seals, require regular replacement. To reduce shipping costs, chiller suppliers may recommend purchasing a consumable parts package or a first-year spare parts package with the equipment purchase.

Because purchasing these separately can be more expensive and lead times are longer, many choose to purchase them directly. Some manufacturers who assume customers will purchase spare parts packages will include the price in their quotes.

Conclusion

You may have noticed that, given the same configuration, the hidden costs in chiller quotes are often services. These services relieve you of the hassle of shipping, installation, commissioning, and maintenance.

If you don’t have the expertise to handle these tasks, you might consider a chiller manufacturer that offers one-stop service—after all, you get what you pay for.

Luckily, LNEYA has built a global service platform that provides one-stop support—from model selection to long-term maintenance. Our quotes are highly detailed, ensuring you know exactly where your money is going, eliminating hidden costs and frequent price adjustments after placing your order.

Contact the LNEYA team to receive a chiller brochure and detailed quote.

Let us know your requirements