What it is
An RFQ (request for quotation) is a structured request asking suppliers to price a defined scope of work. In manufacturing, a strong RFQ reduces back-and-forth because it makes quantity, specs, standards, and timelines explicit.
What good RFQs include
Useful RFQs typically include quantities and ramp plans, deliverables (samples, batches), reference standards, inspection expectations, packaging assumptions, and the decision timeline. If something is still flexible, say what is fixed and what is open.
When comparing quotes, normalise assumptions: two prices are not comparable if one includes tooling and the other does not.
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