When this applies
- Quantities in the tens or low hundreds
- Repeat orders on a predictable cycle
- A product in early commercial production
- Spares batches for internal equipment
Ask for price breaks, not one number
Request pricing at several quantities — for example 10, 25, 50 and 100. The shape of that curve tells you where setup stops dominating and whether a larger batch genuinely saves money after you account for holding stock.
Blanket orders and scheduled releases
If usage is predictable, a blanket order with scheduled releases gives you batch pricing without batch inventory. The shop can buy material once and run efficiently; you take delivery as needed. Mention it in the enquiry if your usage supports it.
- Agree total quantity and release schedule up front
- Confirm how long the price is held
- Clarify storage responsibility between releases
Inspection scope
Decide what inspection you actually need before quoting: a first-article report plus sampling is standard, full dimensional inspection of every piece is not, and the difference is significant on a batch of a hundred.
RFQ checklist
Include these in your request and suppliers can quote without a round of questions.
- Model or drawing with revision number
- Quantities you want priced (a ladder, not one figure)
- Annual usage and reorder pattern
- Inspection and documentation requirements
- Packaging and delivery destination