At first glance, the price quoted in the offer may seem attractive. But is that really the amount you will pay? Working with foreign or non-comprehensive suppliers often involves hidden costs and fees that only become apparent during the order fulfillment process. Lack of transparency and diffusion of responsibility can make a “bargain” offer ultimately more expensive than working with an experienced, comprehensive manufacturer.
Hidden costs – what are they and where do they come from?
One of the most common sources of problems is the lack of comprehensive service. Many suppliers end the process with the production of the part itself, and hardening, galvanizing, or cleaning must be outsourced to other companies. This means additional invoices, more time spent on coordination, and a higher risk of errors. Another pitfall is the cost of ongoing tool maintenance – if the supplier does not have its own tool shop, each repair or replacement of a stamp extends the lead time by up to several weeks. And you pay extra for each such service.
It is also worth remembering the costs of PPAP quality documentation. For many companies, this is an “extra option” that is paid for separately, without which components cannot be introduced into the production process. At Prasmet, it is standard, which eliminates unexpected additional costs and speeds up the start of production.
Check out our technological processes.
Risk of downtime and supply disruptions
Long transport times from Asian countries, customs duties, exchange rate fluctuations, and unpredictable regulations all increase the risk of delays. If a supplier has only one machine of a given type, a breakdown means a break in production, and you are left without components.
Prasmet minimizes these risks thanks to a fleet of over 100 machines, its own tool shop, and a location close to major transport hubs. This guarantees short supply chains and ensures that your order will arrive on time.
Hidden fees and price unpredictability
The unit price of a part is not everything. Other manufacturers add fees for packaging, additional quality controls, or even storage costs. Sometimes, a lack of technological flexibility forces you to invest in expensive tools, even though the scale of production does not require it. Working with a company that can offer several implementation options (e.g., a more expensive tool with a cheap part or vice versa) gives you more control over your budget. At Prasmet, we tailor solutions to the planned quantity of parts and the customer’s financial capabilities.
Hidden costs – real stories from the market
Imagine this situation: you order equipment from a foreign manufacturer offering exceptionally low prices. After a few weeks, it turns out that the tool does not fit your machines, and making changes will cost you several thousand zlotys. On top of that, the manufacturer informs you that transport will be more expensive “due to changes in the carrier’s price list.” On paper, it still looks cheap, but in practice, you end up paying much more than you planned.
The same is true for companies that do not provide a complete finish for their products. Initially, the price seems great, but when you add the costs of hardening, electroplating, or cleaning the components, your profits begin to melt away. In addition, coordinating several suppliers increases the risk of mistakes and delays that can halt your production line.
Why is a comprehensive supplier a safer choice?
Working with a single partner who carries out the entire process in one place, from design to finished detail, eliminates the risk of scattered responsibility and allows you to precisely control costs. It’s not just convenience – it’s real savings and price predictability, which is invaluable in long-term cooperation.
At Prasmet, we combine experience with technology, providing our customers with full transparency and stable conditions. This allows our partners to avoid unpleasant financial surprises and focus on growing their business.
