Want a Fast, Accurate Quote? Consider These Elements Before Sending an RFQ

When submitting an RFQ (request for quote) to a contract manufacturer, it’s critical to provide the right information to obtain an accurate quote in a timely manner. A complete and detailed RFQ not only streamlines the quoting process but also ensures that the final quote closely aligns with your requirements. It’s important to understand that when we process a quote, we are in essence doing a pre-production engineering review which means we are figuring out exactly how we intend to process the item(s) being requested.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you’re preparing to send an RFQ:

Are Your Specifications Clear and Complete?

One of the most common issues the Nu-Way Industries team faces when receiving RFQs involves incomplete information. Often, we receive fragments of details that do not provide the complete picture of the product our customers want us to build. It’s essential to make sure that all specifications and requirements are clearly outlined in your RFQ. 

Include Relevant Drawings and Models

Some of our customers, a handful of whom have been sending us parts since the ‘60s, only have access to legacy drawings created decades ago. While we can certainly work from them, and often do, if they are available,  accompanying them with 3D models significantly improves the accuracy of quotes. 3D models provide necessary geometric information that offers deeper insight for our engineering teams.

That said, even the most comprehensive 3D model doesn’t tell the whole story. Important details like material specifications, surface finish requirements, and special treatments like painting, plating, or welding instructions live on 2D drawings. To ensure we fully understand your requirements and deliver the best results, we ask that you include both 3D CAD models and detailed 2D drawings with your RFQ. This combination allows us to serve you more efficiently and accurately by giving our team the full picture.

Utilize Correct File Formats

To avoid delays in quoting, be sure your 3D models are in an acceptable file format before sending them. The Nu-Way Industries team accepts the following formats in our secure RFQ form:

• – 3D models: Standard mesh (.stl, .3mf), Autodesk (.3ds, .dwf, .dwfx), CATIA V5 (.cgr), CATIA V6 (.3dxml), COLLADA (.dae), FBX (.fbx), Wavefront OBJ (.obj), PRC (.prc), VRML (.vrml, .wrl) 
• – CAD formats: SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor, Parasolid, and ACIS 
• – MS Office files: bib, csv, dbf, dif, doc, docx, emf, eps, epub, fodg, fodp, fods, fodt, html 
• – Model-Based Definition files: STEP AP242, JT files, 3D PDFs, and native formats from platforms like SolidWorks, Catia, PTC Creo, and Siemens NX

Are Your Quantities Clear? 

Quantity is another key component that impacts the quoting process. It’s not uncommon for customers to request quotes for various quantities, such as one, 50, or 1,000 units, to explore different pricing scenarios. It is important to note that each of these quantities may call for a different manufacturing approach, making them essentially three distinct quotes rather than a single quote with multiple options. 

Specify Your Expected Order Quantity 

Sometimes, OEM buyers try to find the best pricing by requesting a quote for different quantities. Will it be significantly cheaper to order one batch of 100, or is it worth it to order two batches of 50? To solve this conundrum, they might request multiple quotes, each based on a different quantity.

If you want quotes for multiple quantities, anticipate a longer turnaround time, as quantities result in different production setups – and, therefore, variations in pricing. If speed is a priority, we recommend determining the exact quantity you plan to order and requesting a quote for that specific amount. This will help streamline the process and expedite the quoting process.

Provide Context and Usage Patterns

Context makes a world of difference in custom metal fabrication. Knowing how and where the part will be used, along with your usage patterns, impacts quoting. For instance, if you require 1,000 units but only need 50 per week, Nu-Way’s team is happy to plan production around your specific delivery schedule, optimizing our processes to align with your needs.

Is Your Information Up to Date to Accurate? 

For our custom metal fabrication services, it’s essential that we receive revision levels on your prints. Any special instructions, such as unique welding requirements or surface finishes, should also be clearly outlined and up to date. Ambiguities or missing details can lead to delays, as our team will reach out for clarification to produce the most accurate quote.

Get Fast, Reliable, Secure Quotes from Nu-Way Industries

With our expert team and sophisticated quoting platform, Nu-Way Industries has the combined force of talent and technology to support our customers’ products from quote to completion.
Request a quote today from Nu-Way Industries to get started!