How to Write an RFQ That Gets Serious Replies from Chinese Suppliers

A one-line inquiry like “what’s your price for plastic bottles” usually gets a vague, unusable reply. A well-structured Request for Quotation (RFQ) gets you a real, comparable quote — and makes it obvious which suppliers are actually paying attention.

What a Strong RFQ Includes

• Product name, specification, and, if possible, a reference photo or sample
• Target quantity, and whether you’re open to negotiating MOQ
• Destination port or city, so the supplier can factor in logistics
• Requested Incoterm — FOB, EXW, or CIF — so quotes are apples-to-apples
• Your expected timeline, since lead time affects price for some suppliers

Comparing Quotes Fairly

Once replies come in, compare them on the same Incoterm and the same specification. A lower price quoted EXW versus a higher price quoted FOB isn’t actually cheaper once you add in the cost of getting goods from the factory to the port yourself.

Red Flags in Supplier Replies

A supplier who quotes instantly without asking a single clarifying question, or who can’t confirm lead time, is often not the most reliable option even if the number looks attractive. Genuine manufacturers usually ask at least a few questions back.

Not sure how to evaluate the quotes you’ve received? Send them to our team for a second opinion before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a strong RFQ include?

Clear specifications, target quantity, and enough detail that a supplier can quote accurately on the first reply — see the checklist above.

Why do vague inquiries get vague replies?

A one-line question like “what’s your price” gives a supplier nothing concrete to quote against, so the reply is usually equally vague or unusable.

How do I compare quotes from different suppliers fairly?

Make sure every supplier is quoting against the exact same specification — see the guide above for how to structure a fair comparison.