Any procurement manager can find the cheapest quote — that takes a spreadsheet and five
minutes. The hard part, and the part you are actually accountable for, is telling the difference
between a low price and a low cost. In lighting, those two are often opposite
suppliers. Here is a framework that keeps you from the trap that looks great on the purchase
order and terrible eighteen months later.
Why the Cheapest Quote Is So Often the Most Expensive
A lighting fixture is a ten-year commitment, not a one-time purchase. A cheaper fitting that
draws more watts, fades early, or fails in two years quietly costs far more in electricity and
replacement than it ever saved at purchase. The bill just arrives later, on someone else’s
budget line — until it is yours.
The Seven Things to Compare (Weighted)
| Factor | What to Ask For |
|---|---|
| Efficacy (lm/W) | Actual lumens per watt — the running-cost number |
| Certifications | BIS, CRS, LM-79, LM-80, ISO — current and model-specific |
| Warranty | Length, and what it actually covers |
| Lead time | Realistic delivery at your quantity |
| Service & spares | Support network and spare availability in your region |
| Track record | Comparable projects delivered, references |
| Total cost of ownership | Purchase + energy + maintenance over 10 years |
Compare Datasheets Like for Like
Suppliers quote flatteringly. Normalise before you compare: are the lumen figures fixture
output or raw LED chip output? Is the efficacy at real operating temperature or a lab ideal? Is
the warranty 5 years or 5 years “pro-rata”? One honest datasheet and one optimistic one can look
identical until you ask.
Certifications Are Non-Negotiable
Insist on current, model-specific BIS and CRS, plus LM-79 (real output and efficacy) and LM-80 (lumen
maintenance over life). A certificate for a “similar” model is not proof. For any project touching
public funds, missing certification is not a discount — it is a liability.
Build a Simple Scoring Matrix
Score each supplier out of 100 across the seven factors, weighted for your project (e.g.
efficacy 20, certifications 20, TCO 20, warranty 15, service 10, lead time 10, track record 5).
It converts a gut decision into a defensible one — and gives you a clear paper trail if the
choice is ever questioned.
Questions That Reveal a Serious Supplier
- Can you share LM-79 and LM-80 reports for the exact model quoted?
- What is the efficacy at operating temperature, not lab conditions?
- Can you provide a lighting design proving the required lux?
- What is your realistic lead time at this quantity?
- What does the warranty cover, and how are claims handled?
- Can you share references from similar projects?
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I compare LED lighting suppliers?
On total cost of ownership, not price — weighing efficacy, certifications, warranty, lead
time, service and track record together.
Why is the cheapest LED supplier risky?
Low-price fittings often use more energy, fade faster or fail sooner, costing more over their
life in electricity and replacement.
Which certifications must an LED supplier provide?
Current, model-specific BIS and CRS, plus LM-79 and LM-80 test reports verifying output and
lifespan.
What is total cost of ownership in lighting?
Purchase price plus energy and maintenance over the fixture’s life — the true cost of a
lighting decision.
Reway provides full BIS, CRS, LM-79 and LM-80 documentation, transparent datasheets, and
pan-India service — backed by Vishal Technopower’s 30+ years of delivery. Browse our product range or request a supplier evaluation pack →
