Why Your CNC Part Costs Just Jumped — and What You Can Actually Control

Your CNC quote just jumped from $2,500 to $4,200, and your supplier is blaming “volatile material costs.” Your project deadline is four weeks out, and now you’re wondering if you’re getting gouged or if this is the new reality. Material costs do fluctuate, but prepared suppliers manage volatility better. Metal prices vary significantly—aluminum averages just […]

Job Shop vs Precision Machinist — How the Wrong Choice Doubled Your Quote?

Supplier rejected your gear design as “not manufacturable”? Getting quotes that range from $800 to $2,400 for the same part? You’re facing the classic job shop vs precision machinist dilemma – and choosing wrong just doubled your costs. Most quote shock happens because engineers unknowingly choose the wrong supplier type for their requirements. Job shops […]

Quoting the Same CNC Part at Two Shops: What It Tells You

Maybe your vendor’s fine. But you sent the same part to another shop — just to see what would happen. Now you’re staring at two quotes that don’t make sense together. One came back at $800, the other at $2,500 for identical specifications. Most quote variations reveal supplier limitations rather than competitive pricing. When identical […]

Should I Switch Suppliers When My Quote Doubles?

Your supplier just sent a quote that’s double what you paid last time — for the exact same part. Same drawing, same specs, same material. You’re staring at numbers that don’t make sense, wondering if there’s a mistake or if you’re being taken advantage of. This isn’t just frustrating; it’s a crisis when you’re under […]