Key takeaways
- Work through all four blocks: product, files, commercial, quality
- Mark anything genuinely undecided as TBC rather than omitting it
- The same pack should go to every bidder so quotes are comparable
- Print this page or copy the items into your own document
Product definition
Confirm each of the following is stated in your RFQ:
Description
What the product is, what it does, and who uses it.
Dimensions & materials
Sizes, materials or performance requirements, colours, finishes.
Variants
Every SKU, size, or colourway in scope — with quantities per variant.
Out of scope
What you are NOT asking this supplier to do.
Files and evidence
Attach or reference:
Design files
CAD (STEP preferred for machined parts), drawings, tech pack, or dieline.
Reference samples
Photos or physical samples, and whether seams/parts may be opened.
Standards
Any standards, tests, or certifications the product must meet.
Versioning
A version number and date on every document.
Commercial terms
State clearly:
Quantities
First order plus expected annual volume — ask for 2–3 quantity breaks.
Delivery
Destination, packing requirements, and delivery terms (ex-works vs delivered).
Tooling
Who pays for and owns tooling; what happens if you switch supplier.
Timeline
Target dates for samples and production, plus your decision date.
Quality and approval
Define before anyone quotes:
Sample plan
What samples you expect before bulk and how you will approve them.
Critical features
Which dimensions or attributes are must-pass versus reference.
Inspection
What inspection or reports you expect with production.
Failure handling
What happens if goods do not meet the agreed specification.
When every box is ticked, attach the pack to a Combinate quote request so every responding manufacturer prices the same scope. See the Combinate form walkthrough if you want field-by-field guidance. Evaluating the responses — and the suppliers — remains your job.
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.