Key takeaways
- State what is fixed, what is open, and what “good” looks like for approval
- Include quantities, materials/specs, standards, packaging, and timeline
- Ask every bidder to list inclusions and exclusions explicitly
- Normalise assumptions before you compare unit prices
Why structure beats enthusiasm
Factories price risk as well as work. Missing tolerances, unclear finishes, or unspoken packaging needs show up as padded quotes or painful change orders later.
Your goal is comparable bids: same scope, same assumptions, different commercial offers. On Combinate, the brief you publish is a quote request — the same document factories elsewhere would call an RFQ.
What every manufacturing quote request should include
At minimum: product description, quantities (and any ramp plan), drawings/CAD or tech pack references, materials, critical tolerances or construction details, finish/packaging, delivery location, target dates, and how you will approve samples.
Also state commercial basics: who buys tooling, whether VAT is expected in the quote, and your decision timeline so shops can plan capacity.
Scope
What is being made, and what is out of scope.
Evidence pack
Files, samples, standards, and inspection criteria.
Commercial frame
Quantities, Incoterms/delivery, tooling, validity period.
How to handle unknowns without wrecking the quote
If material choice is still open, give performance requirements and ask for options. If volume is uncertain, request pricing at two or three quantity breaks.
Label TBCs clearly. “TBC” buried in a paragraph is how mismatches happen.
A good quote request separates “must-have”, “preferred”, and “open to suggestion” so factories know where they can add value.
Comparing responses fairly
Do not rank on unit price alone. Check lead time definitions, tooling ownership, revision rounds, packaging, and whether secondary operations are included.
If two quotes diverge wildly, ask both parties which assumption drove the gap before you discard either.
Common quote request mistakes
Sending mood boards without dimensions; asking for “best price” with no quantity; omitting compliance needs until after tooling; and treating the first quote as a final contract.
When you are ready to post on Combinate, see our walkthrough of the quote request form — and use the RFQ checklist so every bidder prices the same pack. You still evaluate fit and evidence yourself; Combinate does not vet factories.
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.