How to compare two quotes line by line

Two quotes for the same trip are rarely the same trip. To compare them fairly, put both into one table, match each line and mark anything that appears in only one. The lower price then either holds up or turns out to be the shorter list.

This page gives you the table and the questions. It suits a family or group sharing a car in Bali, Lombok, Medan or Java who has received quotes through different channels.

What should match before you compare price?

Start with the facts that shape the price. If any of these differ, the quotes are not comparable yet.

• Dates and number of days.
• Number of adults and children, and their ages.
• Vehicle type and size.
• Daily hours and the area covered.
• Hotels or no hotels, and the room setup.

Ask each operator to confirm these in writing first. The package inclusion comparator lays out the same fields side by side.

How do I line up inclusions and exclusions?

Copy each quote into a table like this and fill every cell. A blank cell is a question for the operator.

Line	Quote A	Quote B	Question if different
Driver hours per day			What happens after the hours end?
Fuel, parking, tolls			Who pays each one?
Entrance fees			Are they in the price?
Meals			Which meals, and is it halal-friendly?
Guide or driver only			What does the guide cover?
Airport pick-up and drop			Is waiting time included?
Tips			Expected or optional?
Payment and cancellation			Deposit, balance and refund terms

For the cost items that vary by operator, read who pays for fuel, parking and tolls on a private driver day before you fill in that row.

Which gaps hide in a low quote?

A lower figure can come from one of a few quiet gaps. These are the places to look first.

1. Fewer driver hours, with overtime billed on top.
2. Entrance fees, parking or tolls left as extras.
3. A smaller or older vehicle than the one quoted elsewhere.
4. Meals or the guide removed.
5. Cancellation terms that are stricter.

For the hours question, how a private driver day works explains how hours and overtime are counted.

What questions should I put to each operator?

Send the same questions to both, so the answers line up.

• Can you list every cost that is not in this price?
• What is the vehicle model and what number of seats is usable with luggage?
• What happens if the plan runs late or the weather changes?
• How do I pay, and what is refundable?

For halal needs, ask for a meal-by-meal list and look for the BPJPH halal logo where food is bought.

What is the next step?

Fill the table, send the questions and wait for both replies before you choose. If an itinerary looks too packed, read how to read a day-by-day itinerary for red flags next.