Turkey has many prefab and container manufacturers, and quotations for apparently identical products can differ by 30 – 50%. The difference is almost always in the specification — steel profile thickness, panel core and density, insulation, fittings — or in what the quotation leaves out. To choose the right supplier, compare offers on the same written specification and Incoterm, verify the factory and its export experience, request quality and test documents, and secure payment with terms that match production and shipment milestones.
Step 1 Fix the specification before asking for prices
Write down what you need before you contact suppliers:
- Unit types, sizes and quantities, or headcount for a camp
- Climate data at site (minimum / maximum temperature, snow, wind)
- Electrical standard (voltage, frequency, socket type)
- Required fit-out: sanitary ware, kitchen, air conditioning, furniture
- Fire performance requirements
- Incoterm, destination and delivery date
Sending the same specification to every supplier is the only way to obtain comparable quotations.
Step 2 Compare technical details line by line
| Specification | What to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Chassis, frame and corner posts | Steel profile thickness (mm), galvanized or painted | Stacking strength, durability, repeated relocation |
| Wall panels | Steel sheet thickness, core type (EPS, rock wool, PIR), core thickness and density | Insulation, fire performance, rigidity |
| Roof | Insulation thickness, roof sheet, drainage | Leaks, heat loss, snow load |
| Floor | Floor board type and thickness, floor covering | Moisture resistance, load capacity |
| Windows and doors | Frame material, glazing, locks | Thermal comfort, security |
| Electrical | Cable cross-sections, breakers, earthing, standard | Safety and compliance |
| Plumbing | Pipe material, pressure testing, freeze protection | Leaks, winter performance |
| Packaging | Units per truck / container, protection | Freight cost and damage risk |
Konter lists these values in every quotation. If a supplier cannot state them in writing, treat the price as unverified.
Step 3 Verify the factory
- Visit or video call: Ask for a live tour of the production line and units in production.
- Company documents: Trade registry, tax registration and the legal entity that will sign the contract and issue the invoice.
- Quality documents: Ask which quality management, product and material test documents the supplier can provide, and request copies.
- References: Completed export projects, ideally in your region or climate, with photos and contactable references.
- Capacity: Weekly production capacity and current order book, to judge whether your delivery date is realistic.
Step 4 Check export and logistics capability
- Experience with export documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, A.TR or EUR.1)
- Ability to prepare loading plans and quote under your Incoterm
- Partnerships with freight forwarders or in-house logistics
- Experience with your destination's import requirements
Konter's group company İnter Lojistik is an international road freight operator, so loading plans, customs coordination and delivery are managed within the same group.
Step 5 Ask about assembly and aftersales support
- Is a full assembly crew, a supervisor or remote support available?
- Are assembly manuals and drawings provided in English?
- Is a spare parts kit included?
- What is the warranty period and what does it cover?
- How are claims for transit damage handled?
Step 6 Secure payment and delivery
- Link payments to milestones: deposit, production, shipment, and for large projects, assembly
- Consider a letter of credit for first orders or large values
- Agree a pre-shipment inspection — by your own staff or a third-party inspection company
- Include delivery dates, specifications and penalties or remedies in the contract
- Confirm the quotation's validity period, given changing steel prices
Red flags to watch for
- A price far below other quotations with no written specification
- Refusal to allow a factory visit or live video tour
- No export references or vague answers about export documents
- Payment requested to a company or account different from the contracting entity
- "Included" items listed without quantities or brands
- Unrealistically short delivery times for large quantities
