Why this matters
Quotes never arrive in the same format. One price includes setup and warranty, the next adds them as extras, a third is a monthly lease. So most people compare the biggest number on each page and pick the lowest, and pay more than they needed to.
A fair comparison means the same thing, the same quantity and the same time period for every vendor. That usually takes a spreadsheet and an afternoon.
In this module ChatGPT builds that comparison from three quotes written three different ways, shows the math, lists what each vendor left out and drafts the follow-up email.
What you’ll build
One table comparing three made-up laptop quotes for Brightline Painting on the same basis: 6 laptops, with setup and a 3-year warranty, over 3 years. Totals $6,774, $6,798 and $6,805, with the math under the table and a bar chart.
A list of what each quote leaves out (payment terms, tax, shipping, file migration) and a short email asking one vendor for the missing details in writing.
What you need
- Nothing to start the practiceChatGPT is a practice copy and the quotes file is already in the file picker.
- A ChatGPT account, to do it for realAny plan. Use a Temporary Chat for vendor pricing.
- The quotesPaste the emails into one text file, or attach the PDFs.
- Your basisHow many units, what must be included, and over how long. Write it down before you ask.
Concepts
3 ideas you’ll use in the practice.
Define the same basis
“Compare these” gives a different answer each time. “All 6, with setup and a 3-year warranty, over 3 years” gives one table you can check.
For a lease, ask for the total over the term plus what happens at the end.
Don’t let it guess
Say “Use only what the quotes say. Do not guess prices that aren’t there.” Missing items then show as “Not specified” instead of a plausible number.
Close totals mean the gaps decide
When three totals are within $31, payment terms, delivery and support decide it. Turn the gaps into questions and get the final price in writing.
Practice
Do every step yourself in a practice copy of the real tool. It checks your work, and “Do it for me” finishes any step you get stuck on.
Do it for real
Now repeat it in your own account. Tick each step as you go.
Downloads
- Three sample laptop quotes (.txt)The three made-up vendor emails from the lesson: an all-in price, a price with extras, and a lease.
Quick check
3 questions to check you’ve got it.
1. Riverbend quotes $949 a laptop, plus $65 setup and $119 for a 3-year warranty. What is the 6-laptop total with both?
- $5,694
- $6,798
- $6,084
Show the answer
$6,798. 6 × ($949 + $65 + $119) = $6,798.
2. How do you compare a $189-a-month, 36-month lease with a purchase?
- Compare $189 with the purchase price
- Turn the lease into a 36-month total plus any buyout
- You can’t compare them
Show the answer
Turn the lease into a 36-month total plus any buyout. 36 × $189 + $1 = $6,805, the same 3-year basis as the purchases.
3. Why add “Do not guess prices that aren’t there”?
- So missing prices show as “Not specified”
- It makes ChatGPT faster
- It hides the math
Show the answer
So missing prices show as “Not specified”. Gaps become questions for the vendor instead of invented numbers.
ChatGPT Projects: Your Brand Voice in One Place
You can now compare documents fairly. Next, give each client its own home in ChatGPT with Projects, so the files and rules are always there.
Start module 12 →