A useful request for quotation, or RFQ, gives a supplier enough detail to explain what is included in the price. “Please quote a women's cardigan” leaves important decisions open. A structured brief makes it easier to compare offers and identify questions before sampling begins.
1. Identify the garment and the intended result
Assign a style name or reference number and provide front, back, and detail images. Explain the silhouette, neckline, sleeve shape, fastening, and intended fit. If a reference photograph shows only the appearance you want, say so; do not assume the supplier can determine the yarn composition or measurements from the image.
2. Describe materials and construction
List the preferred fiber composition and any yarn specification you already have. Include the stitch structure, pattern placement, rib details, and desired garment weight where defined. If the specification is still being developed, identify the priorities, such as a soft feel, a particular drape, or a target thickness, and ask the supplier to propose options for sampling.
Keep proposed alternatives separate in the quotation. A change in fiber blend, yarn, or construction should be visible so you can assess its effect on the product before accepting it.
3. Include measurements and a quantity breakdown
Provide a measurement chart with units and instructions for how each point is measured. State the sample size and requested size range. Where measurement tolerances have not been decided, ask for a proposal and review it before approval.
Break the planned order down by style, color, and size. Label the figures as estimates if they are not final. Ask the supplier to clarify minimum quantities at each relevant level, including any separate requirements for custom yarn colors or trims.
4. Specify trims, branding, and packaging
List buttons, zips, main labels, care labels, hangtags, and packaging requirements. Attach artwork when available and distinguish supplied materials from those the supplier should source. Ask the quotation to identify tooling, artwork preparation, or other setup charges separately. Confirm the final label content during product development.
5. Separate development and delivery milestones
State when you need the first sample and when you need the goods to arrive. Ask the supplier to distinguish material preparation, sample revisions, bulk production, inspection, and transport in the proposed timeline. Record which approvals or inputs must be received before each stage can begin.
6. Ask for a quotation you can compare
- Currency, price per unit, and the quantity on which it is based.
- Material and construction assumptions, with alternatives listed separately.
- Sample, development, trim, and packaging charges.
- Delivery destination, included transport services, and exclusions.
- Proposed payment schedule and quotation validity.
- Unresolved specifications and conditions that may affect cost or timing.
A simple inquiry template
Style: [reference and images]
Material and construction: [confirmed requirements and open questions]
Sizes and quantities: [breakdown by color and size]
Branding and packaging: [artwork and requirements]
Samples: [purpose and requested date]
Delivery: [destination and required arrival date]
Send this information with your sourcing inquiry to our team. If some details are undecided, mark them clearly so the quotation discussion can address them rather than rely on assumptions.