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To compare IP65 moving-head quotations fairly, first make every supplier quote the same lighting task, configuration, quantity, accessories, packaging and delivery scope. The IP rating and source wattage do not define the complete price. A lower fixture unit price does not necessarily mean a lower complete-package cost. Check what each quote includes before comparing totals.
Compare the fixture configuration, package contents and delivery scope to understand what each quoted total covers.
Why Two IP65 Moving-Head Quotes May Differ
Two valid quotations can differ for several reasons:
- Fixture type and optical task: a Beam, Spot, Wash, Hybrid or Profile fixture is designed for a different job.
- Functional configuration: CMY, CTO, gobos, framing, zoom, pixel control, control protocols and other functions may not match.
- Quantity and options: sample quantities, fleet orders, connectors, voltage versions, labels or other options can change the quotation.
- Accessories, packaging and spares: cables, clamps, safety accessories, cartons, flight cases and initial spare parts may be included, optional or excluded.
- Transport and delivery scope: collection at a factory and delivery to a named destination are not equivalent scopes.
- Commercial support: warranty handling, documentation and spare-parts support can be described differently.
A higher price is not automatic proof of higher quality, and a lower price does not prove that corners were cut. Similar housings also do not establish that the internal configuration is identical. Ask each supplier to identify the exact model, quoted version and inclusions, then compare the supporting documents.
Match the Lighting Requirement Before Comparing Price
Start with the result the fixture must deliver. If the requirements do not match, the prices are not yet comparable.
| Requirement | What must match | Why it affects the comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Fixture class | Beam, Spot, Wash, Hybrid or Profile | Each class solves a different optical task and may use different mechanisms. |
| Projection requirement | Actual throw distance, target size or coverage, and relevant optical data | Source wattage alone does not show usable field size or performance at the planned position. |
| Required functions | CMY, CTO, gobos, prisms, framing, frost, pixel control or other essential effects | A function should be included only when the project needs it and the quoted model documents it. |
| Control | Required DMX modes, RDM or network functions, console profile and connector expectations | Different modes and interfaces can affect commissioning and fleet compatibility. |
| Environment | IP rating, exposure, connectors, operating conditions and installation restrictions | IP65 addresses enclosure ingress protection under defined conditions, not the safety of the complete site. |
| Operating constraints | Relevant weight, handling, noise and camera requirements | Rental handling, quiet venues and camera work can require different configurations or checks. |
Use the IP65 moving-head buyer’s guide for protection, sample and outdoor-use checks. For colour requirements, compare CMY and CTO. If the decision involves framing, use the BSW vs BSWF guide before fixing the required feature set.
Separate the Fixture Price from the Package Price
Ask for a line-by-line quotation instead of one unexplained package total. Mark each item as included, optional, excluded or awaiting confirmation.
| Item | Included, optional or excluded? | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Fixtures | To be stated | Exact model and configuration, fixture quantity, currency, price per fixture and any minimum quantity. |
| Power and signal items | To be stated | Cable type, length, connector version, quantity and whether terminators or adapters are required. |
| Rigging and safety items | To be stated | Brackets supplied with the fixture, clamps, fasteners and secondary-suspension accessories. |
| Packaging | To be stated | Carton or flight case, number of packages, fixtures per package and package specification. |
| Initial spares | To be stated | Exact parts, quantities, compatibility and whether they are charged separately. |
| Control accessories | To be stated | Wireless, network, interface or other accessories required by the project. |
| Delivery | To be stated | Freight, insurance and other delivery charges included in the quoted scope. |
Ask the supplier to identify the included accessories and price optional items separately.
Unit language matters. “10 units” should say whether it means 10 fixtures, 10 flight cases or 10 packages. If one case holds two fixtures, record both the number of fixtures and the number of cases. Keep the fixture unit price separate from the cost allocated to each fixture for cases, spares and delivery.
For models such as the AL1940WP, confirm the number of fixtures per carton or flight case, packed dimensions and gross weight before requesting freight.
What Should a Flight-Case Quote Specify?
A flight-case line should state whether the price is per case, allocated per fixture or included in a complete package. Confirm:
- the exact fixture model the case is designed to hold;
- the number of fixtures per case;
- the quoted liner or foam arrangement, wheels, handles and accessory space;
- the loaded external dimensions and gross weight;
- the package count and data used for the freight quotation.
If accessories travel inside the case, list them. Otherwise, a buyer may compare a case with cable storage against a case with no accessory space as if they were the same.
The fixture’s IP65 rating applies to the light, not its transport case. Specify any case requirements separately, including water protection, impact protection or charging facilities where needed.
Compare Delivery Scope Without Counting Costs Twice
For every quotation, confirm the currency, quantity, validity date, agreed Incoterms® rule, exact named place or port, and included delivery scope. Identify which freight, insurance, handling and destination charges are included and which still require a quotation. For the wider sequence of transport, documents and importer responsibilities, use the stage-lighting import guide.
Do not add freight again when it is already included in the quoted total. Conversely, do not enter zero for an unknown destination charge. Mark it to be quoted. This keeps confirmed purchase spending separate from an incomplete estimate.
A Side-by-Side Quote Comparison Worksheet
Use this worksheet after normalising the requirement. Leave unresolved fields open rather than forcing a winner from the total alone.
Where currency conversion is needed, use the same comparison currency and record the exchange-rate source or basis and date. Add only confirmed line items within the agreed scope, and add each item once. Do not charge again for accessories, cases, spares or delivery already included in another line. If a required cost is still awaiting quotation, label the result confirmed subtotal, not complete final cost. Leave unknown amounts as to be quoted rather than entering zero.
| Comparison field | Quote A | Quote B | Clarification needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model, configuration and required functions | To be filled | To be filled | Do the documents cover the same project-critical configuration? |
| Currency / exchange-rate basis | To be filled | To be filled | Same comparison currency, with source or basis and date if converted? |
| Fixture unit price and quantity | To be filled | To be filled | Price per fixture and exact fixture quantity, not case or package count? |
| Fixture subtotal | To be filled | To be filled | Does unit price × fixture quantity reconcile? |
| Separately charged accessories, cases and spares | To be filled | To be filled | Only items not already included; list quantity and charging unit. |
| Delivery and other confirmed charges | To be filled | To be filled | Agreed term, named place and included freight, insurance, handling or destination scope? |
| Comparable total for the agreed scope | To be filled | To be filled | Same confirmed scope and currency, with every charge counted once? |
| Costs still awaiting quotation | To be filled | To be filled | Mark required unknowns “to be quoted”; do not enter zero. |
| Explicit exclusions | To be filled | To be filled | What must the buyer source or pay separately? |
| Warranty handling and quotation validity | To be filled | To be filled | Handling scope, exclusions, valid-through date and applicable quantity? |
| Unresolved scope or configuration differences | To be filled | To be filled | What still prevents an equivalent comparison? |
Clarify any differences in configuration or delivery scope before comparing the totals.
Consider Ownership Costs Separately
Rental companies should review handling, storage, service access, spare-parts planning and downtime arrangements separately from the initial quotation. Case size and loaded weight can affect truck space and crew handling. A fleet may also need common spares, matching firmware or replacement-unit procedures.
Separate the confirmed purchase price from optional items and estimated running costs. Compare maintenance and downtime estimates over the same operating period, using clearly stated assumptions.
What to Send for an Itemised AOLAIT Quote
You can request a quote before choosing a model. Send:
- the application, such as touring rental, festival, venue or installation;
- the fixture type or lighting effect you need;
- the quantity;
- the receiving country and postcode if available;
- indoor, outdoor and exposure conditions;
- essential optical, colour, control, noise or camera functions;
- flight-case or carton preference;
- the requested arrival date.
AOLAIT can prepare a model recommendation and an itemised quotation after the requirement is confirmed. Availability, lead time, packaging and commercial terms remain subject to the written quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I compare IP65 moving heads by wattage alone?
No. Wattage does not establish fixture type, optical performance, functions, accessories, packing or delivery scope. Compare the same project requirement and quoted version.
Is a flight case normally included?
It depends on the quotation. Ask whether packing is a carton or flight case, how many fixtures each package holds and whether the price is per case, per fixture or per set.
Why can similar-looking fixtures have different quotations?
The model, functions, accessories, packaging and delivery terms may differ. Compare the written specifications, included accessories and delivery terms rather than appearance alone.
Should shipping be included in the comparison?
Yes, when comparing the same delivery scope. Record the named place and included charges, avoid adding included freight twice, and leave unknown destination costs as pending.
Can I request a quote before choosing a model?
Yes. Send the application, effect, quantity, destination, environment, required functions, packing preference and requested arrival date. A model can then be recommended for confirmation.
Request an Itemised Quote for Your Project
Send AOLAIT the project requirement and ask for fixture, accessories, packing, spares and delivery to be shown as separate lines. The result is easier to compare, approve and revise than an unexplained package total.