Can project quotations for smart lighting differ by double?

For a shopping mall project with 300 circuits, both bidders quote "KNX Smart Lighting": one offers 450,000 while the other is 230,000. The price gap does not stem from brand differences, but quotation scope. If these 6 items are not aligned, price comparison becomes invalid.

• Circuit counting rule Are circuits calculated by luminaire quantity or actual physical circuits? 8-channel modules MTN6705-0008S + MTN6805-0008 versus single-channel flush-mounted MTN6003-0011 can result in up to 30% difference in module quantity. The quotation must specify: total circuit count, load per circuit, module model and channel quantity.
• What does "dimming supported" really mean? Switching / 0-10V (MTN647825) / DALI (MTN6725-0005S + MTN6825-0005). The same description covers three distinct cost tiers.
• Missing the "3 core components" equals an unfinished system Bus power supply MTN6513-1201 / MTN6513-1202 | KNX/IP Gateway MTN680312 | Logic Controller LSS100200. Without these items, extra change orders will inevitably arise later.
• Panel price gap lies in the coupler Is the MTN6002-0004S coupler priced separately, or integrated into the KNX bus panel? This only affects appearance, not system operability. Clarify your project positioning upfront.
• Cabinet & cabling Module quantity defines cabinet size, bus cable length and conduit layout. Low-cost tenders frequently simplify this part, with extra costs added on-site later.
• Commissioning & after-sales service ETS addressing, scene configuration and DALI addressing all require labor hours. Confirm whether spare parts are genuine factory units or second-hand components, together with warranty term.

In short: A 100% price difference mostly comes from inconsistent quotation scope, not brand premiums. Before comparing prices, create a checklist covering the 6 items above. Request both vendors to fill in the same form, then compare total costs.