Two quotations for a ten metre roller conveyor can be far apart because they rarely describe the same machine. Understanding what changes the price makes the comparison fair, and helps you budget for freight, duty and commissioning as well as the equipment itself.
Why the same length can cost very different amounts
Length is only one line in a quotation. Roller diameter and wall thickness, pitch, effective width, frame material, drive type, number of zones, controls, surface finish and the level of customisation all change the build cost. A light-duty gravity section and a zoned 24 V accumulation line may share the same footprint but have little in common as machines.
The main cost drivers
Rollers: larger diameters, stainless steel tube, PU or rubber lagging and higher bearing ratings add cost. Frame: powder-coated carbon steel is standard for dry areas, while stainless steel 304 or aluminium profile costs more and is specified for washdown or lightweight modular builds.
Drive and control: gravity sections need no motor; chain, line shaft and O-ring drives add a geared motor and guarding; zoned motorised rollers add cards, sensors and wiring. Curved sections, lifts, turntables, side guides, stops and integration with existing machines add engineering time. Export requirements such as a destination-specific motor, crated packing and spare parts also belong in the total.
How to compare quotations fairly
Ask each supplier to quote against the same specification sheet: dimensions, load range, throughput, roller and frame material, drive type, number of zones, electrical standard, finish, what is included in the price, and the delivery term. Request a dimensioned drawing and a parts list with the quotation rather than a single lump-sum figure.
Check whether freight, export packing, installation, commissioning and spare rollers are included, and which Incoterm applies. A lower unit price can disappear once crating, sea freight, duty and a site technician are added. JINDA returns a layout and a specification for confirmation before production, so the quoted configuration is the one that gets built.
Roller conveyor HS code for import planning
Complete roller conveyors are commonly declared under HS heading 8428; in many tariff schedules they fall under subheading 8428.39 for other continuous-action conveyors, while belt-type conveyors are listed separately under 8428.33. Individual rollers, side frames and other conveyor parts are generally classified under 8431.39 rather than as a complete machine.
National tariff lines add further digits, and duty rates depend on origin and destination. Treat any code as a starting point: confirm the exact subheading, duty rate and documentary requirements with your customs broker or the importing authority before shipment. An accurate goods description on the commercial invoice, stating whether the shipment is a complete conveyor or spare parts, makes that confirmation much easier.
Budget for the whole system, not only the conveyor
Allow for upstream and downstream interfaces, floor fixing, guarding, electrical connection, operator training and a small stock of wear parts. Where the line will be extended later, ordering a few extra rollers and legs with the original shipment avoids a separate freight charge for a small order.
Send your product details, layout sketch and destination country through the contact page. We will recommend a configuration and quote the full scope so the figure can be compared like for like.
