noun
competitive bidding; competitive estimates
Refers to the practice of obtaining multiple quotes or bids from different suppliers to compare prices and services. Often used in business and procurement contexts. The full form 相見積もり is also common.
See also: 相見積もり
新しいシステムの導入にあたり、三社から相見積を取った。
When introducing the new system, we obtained competitive bids from three companies.
相見積を比較して、最も条件の良い業者を選びます。
We will compare the competitive estimates and choose the vendor with the best terms.
Compound of 相 (あい, mutual, together) and 見積 (みつ, estimate). The 相 prefix indicates a reciprocal or comparative action, so 相見積 literally means 'mutual estimates' or 'estimates taken together for comparison'.