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 There is still a bug in the software, or more probably, my computer skills are inadequate. So, I will reply to my own "header". I asked recently for three companies to quote on something (sorry, I can't be more specific here, but a more or less standard product). The local company (and obviously the preferred supplier), quoted €16,500. The out of town supplier quoted €11,300 and the "I work in town, but I'm not local" supplier, quoted, €13.500. A fourth company quote was then obtained, coming in at €12,750. When we first moved to Italy, eight years ago, we would never have challenged the local equilibribrium, but now I have no hesitation in obtaining competing quotes.

 The lowest quote may not necessarily be the best one in the end. Check the local reputation of the different suppliers. Good luck! 

  Gala, normally I would agree with you. But this was for a (defined) standard product. Everyone was quoting on the same thing.