RFQ Packs for Sane People

Wisdom from China: Standardize the process to eliminate chaos and inefficiency.
Source: 井井有条 = Neat and orderly.

Invincible Hardware Minute: A messy RFQ (Request For Quotation) process doesn’t just waste time—it increases your BOM costs. Here’s why.

For RFQs, volume is leverage. The more quotes you gather, the better you can optimize both your designs and your costs. But if your specifications and requirements aren’t crystal clear, you’ll get a flood of clarification questions and quotes in every format imaginable: PDFs, PPTs, Excel files, WeChat screenshots—it’s chaos.

Here’s what a sane RFQ pack looks like for some injection molded plastic parts:

1. BOM in Excel: Clearly specify production methods, tooling, materials, finishes, colors, etc. Include part images—pictures save a thousand words.

2. 3D Drawings (STEP format): Ensure filenames match the BOM.

3. 2D Drawings (PDF format): Highlight critical dimensions and tolerances.

4. Graphics Files (AI/DWG/DXF/PDF): Always include a PDF for quick reference by non-technical team members.

5. CMF Document: all colors, materials and finishes for the entire product defined by the Industrial Design (ID) team.

6. Folder Rules:

   • Folders contain either files or subfolders—never both.

   • Group related files for each “thing” into its own folder.

7. Return Format: Leave unfilled columns in your BOM for suppliers to complete. Make it flexible for mixed tooling arrangements.

8. Translations: If possible, include Chinese translations from ChatGPT in the BOM. It makes everything smoother.

Every time a supplier asks for clarification, it’s a signal: there’s a flaw in your RFQ pack. Don’t ignore it. Fix the source of the problem and update your template immediately.

Struggling with a hardware challenge? Take 30 seconds to fill out this form so I can help.

Efficiency doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built by design.

Stay efficient (and sane),
Ryan

PS - reminder to only accept quotations in your designated return format.