20-point interactive RFQ checklist covering product specifications, quantity, budget, timeline, compliance, packaging, and logistics. Print-friendly with progress tracking. Tick items off as you prepare.
Define your product clearly. What is it? What category does it belong to? Include reference images, drawings, or links to similar products if available.
List all materials, dimensions, weight, colors, and technical specifications. The more detail you provide, the more accurate the factory quotes will be.
Specify retail packaging, export packaging, or both. Include dimensions, materials (carton, blister, etc.), and any branding/printing requirements.
Define initial order quantity and expected reorder frequency. Bulk or phased delivery? Knowing this helps factories optimize pricing.
Set your target unit price range and total budget. Specify whether you need FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight), or EXW (Ex Works) pricing.
When do you need samples? When do you need the first shipment? A clear timeline helps factories prioritize your order and plan production capacity.
Preferred shipping method: ocean (FCL/LCL), air freight, or rail. Include destination port/address and any special handling requirements.
Specify your preferred Incoterm: FOB (seller manages to port), CIF (includes insurance and freight), EXW (you pick up from factory), or DDP (delivered to your door).
Identify required certifications for your target market: CE (Europe), FCC/UL (USA), RoHS, REACH, FDA, CPSIA, etc. This is critical for compliance.
List all documentation you need: test reports, certificates of compliance, material safety data sheets (MSDS), factory audit reports, etc.
Do you need an NDA? Trademark registration in China? Anti-counterfeiting measures? IP protection should be addressed upfront, especially for OEM/custom products.
Define acceptable quality standards. Do you require AQL 2.5, 1.0, or 0.65? Specify in-line inspection, pre-shipment inspection, and any third-party testing.
How many pre-production samples (PPS) do you need? Do you require approval samples before mass production? Who pays for sample shipping?
Define what constitutes a defect for your product. Set clear rejection criteria for visual defects, functional failures, dimension deviations, and material inconsistencies.
Common structures: 30% deposit / 70% before shipment, T/T, L/C at sight. What payment terms are you comfortable with? What's your maximum deposit?
Do you need a formal purchase contract? Governing law preference? Dispute resolution mechanism (arbitration vs litigation)? Prepare your standard terms.
Decide on cargo insurance coverage. Will you arrange your own or use the supplier's? What level of coverage (All Risks, WPA, FPA)?
How often do you expect updates? Weekly production reports? Inspection photos? Define communication channels (email, WhatsApp, WeChat) and reporting cadence.
Any preferred regions in China? ISO certifications required? Minimum factory size? Specialized industry experience? List deal-breakers and nice-to-haves.
What if the first factory fails quality? What if production is delayed? Have a contingency plan including alternative factories and timeline buffers.