Key takeaways
- A good RFQ answers the factory's questions before they ask: specs, quantity, target market, certifications, packaging and delivery terms.
- Always state the Incoterm you want quoted, for example FOB Shenzhen or DDP to your warehouse.
- Give a realistic quantity and target price. Vague requests get vague quotes or no reply.
- Attach drawings, photos or a reference product link whenever you can.
What is an RFQ?
A request for quotation (RFQ) is the document you send suppliers to get comparable prices. Factories decide in minutes whether a request is worth quoting. A clear RFQ gets faster and more accurate answers, and it filters out suppliers who cannot meet your requirements.
The RFQ checklist
- Product and specifications. Name the product and list what matters: dimensions, materials, power, capacity, color, finish, tolerances. If a similar product exists, say so.
- Quantity. Quantity for the first order and expected yearly volume. Prices for 500 and 5,000 units are very different; give both if you are unsure.
- Target market and certifications. Where the goods will be sold decides the certifications: CE and RoHS for the EU, FCC for the US, UKCA for the UK, among others. If you are not sure, name the market and ask the factory.
- Price basis. State the Incoterm: EXW (ex works), FOB (loaded on the ship at a Chinese port), CIF (delivered to your port) or DDP (delivered, duties paid). Add a target price if you have one.
- Customization. Logo printing, custom colors, your own packaging, manuals in your language.
- Packaging and labeling. Retail box or bulk pack, barcodes, carton marks, pallet requirements.
- Timeline. When you need samples and when you need the goods in your warehouse.
- Attachments. Drawings, photos, a spec sheet or a link to a reference product.
Example of a clear request
Product: 15W magnetic wireless charger, Qi2 certified, aluminium housing, 1 m USB-C cable included.
Quantity: 3,000 pcs first order, about 20,000 pcs per year.
Market: United States; FCC required.
Price basis: FOB Shenzhen, target USD 6–7 per piece.
Customization: laser-engraved logo, retail box with our design.
Timeline: samples in 3 weeks, goods in Los Angeles by March.
Common mistakes
- Asking for "your best price" with no quantity.
- Forgetting certifications, then discovering the quoted product cannot be sold in your market.
- Sending different details to different suppliers, which makes the quotes impossible to compare.
- Posting the same request on many platforms and receiving dozens of sales emails.
Send it to the right manufacturers
Our request form follows this checklist: post a free sourcing request and it reaches manufacturers with everything they need. Before you place an order, read How to verify a Chinese factory.
Ready to get quotes?
Post your request for free. Up to 3 checked manufacturers contact you directly.