When this applies
- You are approaching suppliers for the first time
- Previous enquiries produced slow or inconsistent replies
- You need quotes that can be compared side by side
- Several people contribute to the specification
The core of a quotable request
Six items cover the majority of what a supplier must know before they can price your work.
- What the part is and what it does
- Quantity now, plus realistic repeat volume
- Material and grade, or a request for a recommendation
- Tolerances — and which features they apply to
- Finish, coating and any certification
- Need-by date and delivery destination
Frequent omissions
Inspection expectations, packaging, freight terms and who supplies hardware are all regularly left out and all change the price. So does the revision status of the drawing: quoting against an outdated revision wastes the effort entirely.
Make quotes comparable
Send identical packages, ask for the same quantity breaks, and ask each supplier to state lead time from order and what their price includes. Differences then reflect the supplier rather than the brief.
RFQ checklist
Include these in your request and suppliers can quote without a round of questions.
- Files: STEP, PDF drawing, photos or sample details
- Quantity ladder and annual usage
- Material, finish and certification
- Tolerances and inspection expectations
- Delivery date, destination and packaging
- Confidentiality requirements