Key takeaways
- Write the title and description as if a stranger must understand the product
- Category, development stage, and at least one service are required to publish
- Attach drawings/images with short descriptions — Combinate does not review files
- Save as draft while you refine; publish only when the brief is bid-ready
Starting the request
Begin with a short product name and an optional brief. Combinate creates a private draft, then opens the full wizard. You can invite a specific factory later, or leave the request open for manufacturers who choose to bid.
If you are still clarifying scope, read the quote request (RFQ) guide first — then come back here to place that content into the form.
Title
A clear product name (for example “Injection-moulded phone case”). Avoid internal project codes alone.
Opening brief
Optional at the start page; you will expand it in the next step.
Step 1 — Project overview
This is where factories decide whether they can help. Treat the description as the heart of the RFQ: intended use, materials or performance needs, finishes, packaging assumptions, and what is still open.
If something is undecided, write “TBC” in the description rather than leaving factories to invent defaults.
Title & description
Description must be substantial to publish (at least 50 characters — aim for far more). Include use, specs, and goals.
Materials & dimensions
Select known materials; put sizes/weight in the dimensions field (for example 10cm × 5cm × 2cm).
Quantity
Choose a batch scale (prototype through full) and add an exact unit count when you know it.
Compliance
Tick any compliance needs that apply — they help factories judge fit early.
Step 2 — Category, stage, and services
These fields route your request to relevant manufacturers and set expectations about how finished the design is.
Category
Required to publish. Pick the closest product category.
Development stage
Required. Be honest — “idea only” and “tooling-ready” need different responses.
Services needed
Select at least one manufacturing service you need.
Step 3 — Files and images
Uploads are optional to publish, but they usually improve bid quality. Combinate stores files privately and does not review or approve them — you are confirming you have the right to share what you upload.
Product images
Photos or renders of the product, samples, or packaging (JPEG/PNG/GIF; plan file limits apply).
Technical drawings
CAD and docs such as PDF, STEP/STP, STL, DXF/DWG, or Office formats.
Descriptions
Add a short note per file so bidders know what each attachment is.
Step 4 — Budget, timing, and visibility
Commercial preferences help factories decide whether to bid. They do not replace a clear specification in the description and files.
Budget range
Select a band that reflects real cash available for this scope.
Deadline
Optional target for first batch or full order — must not be in the past when publishing.
Region & distance
Optional UK region preference or max distance from your business location.
Visibility
Public requests can be found by manufacturers on the platform; private requests are shareable later (plan-dependent).
Draft vs publish
Drafts stay private while you refine. Before publishing, confirm: clear title, strong description, category, development stage, at least one service, and a coherent file pack if you have one.
After publish, manufacturers may submit bids. Combinate connects the conversation — it does not vet factories, guarantee outcomes, or handle payments between you and a supplier. Use the RFQ checklist if you want a final pre-send pass.
Ready to request quotes?
Post a clear brief on Combinate and receive bids from UK manufacturers. Free to join — you evaluate fit yourself.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information for businesses. It is not legal, regulatory, or financial advice. Combinate does not verify or certify manufacturers.