What Should Be Included in an RFQ?

A good request for quote is the difference between a real number and a wild guess.

An RFQ — a request for quote — is the package of information you send a manufacturer so they can price your product. A complete RFQ gets you accurate, comparable quotes; a vague one gets you guesses that fall apart later. The goal is to give every manufacturer the same clear picture of exactly what you need made.

What a Good RFQ Includes

—A design or CAD file, and drawings with dimensions and tolerances

—The materials to use

—Finishes and surface requirements

—The quantity, and any future volumes you're considering

—Any standards, certifications, or special requirements

—Your timing expectations

Why Completeness Pays Off

When manufacturers have complete information, their quotes reflect what you actually want — and you can compare them fairly, because they're all pricing the same thing. Leave gaps and each factory fills them differently, making the quotes impossible to line up.

Send the Same RFQ to Everyone

To compare quotes meaningfully, every manufacturer on your shortlist should receive the same specifications. Different inputs produce different quotes for reasons that have nothing to do with the manufacturer.

Common Mistakes We See

—Requesting a quote from a description instead of specifications

—Leaving out quantity, which strongly affects price

—Sending slightly different information to each factory

A Good Next Step

A short conversation can help you understand what to put in your RFQ so the quotes you get back are accurate and comparable.

Book a 10-Minute Consultation — $20

Please keep your question general — no confidential product details are needed for the introductory consultation. If confidential review is needed later, an NDA can be arranged before a longer engagement.

Need Help With Your Specific Situation?

Book a 10-minute introductory consultation for $20 and ask one focused question about preparing an RFQ.