What Information Should an RFQ for a Custom Silicone Pet Product Include?
A useful request for quotation (RFQ) explains what the buyer needs, where the product will be sold, how many units may be required and which details are already fixed. The more clearly a buyer describes the product, customization and market requirements, the easier it is for a supplier to identify missing information and prepare a comparable quotation.
An RFQ does not need to answer every engineering question on day one. It should distinguish confirmed requirements from open decisions.
1. Identify the buyer and project
Provide the company name, website, business type, target market and sales channel. For example, a brand owner launching a private-label product may have different packaging and brand-control needs from a distributor adding an existing catalogue item.
Useful project information includes:
- Company and contact details.
- Buyer type: brand, importer, distributor, wholesaler, retailer or other.
- Target country or region.
- Sales channel, if relevant.
- Project stage: existing-product sourcing, product modification or new concept.
- Target launch window and any fixed deadlines.
Share only information appropriate for the initial supplier discussion. Sensitive drawings or proprietary details can be shared through an agreed process.
2. Describe the product
For an existing product, include the current SKU or product URL and identify the requested changes. For a new design, provide the best available drawing, 3D file, reference sample, sketch or clear photo set.
Include:
- Intended use and target user.
- Overall dimensions and critical dimensions, if known.
- Material or performance requirements, if known.
- Functional requirements and interfaces.
- Preferred color or color reference.
- Logo placement and artwork.
- Required accessories or components.
- Any known constraints on packaging, storage or shipping.
Do not assume that a photo alone defines dimensions, tolerances, internal geometry or material. If a dimension or requirement is not decided, label it as open.
3. State quantities clearly
Provide the expected initial order quantity and, if known, likely repeat-order or annual volume. If the order will be split across sizes, colors or packaging formats, show the expected mix.
Quantity matters because tooling, color changes, packaging, testing and production setup can affect the commercial proposal. Do not ask a supplier to assume one universal MOQ for every product or customization route.
For example, separate:
- Initial order quantity.
- Quantity per color or size.
- Forecast for repeat orders, if credible.
- Sample quantity required for evaluation.
- Any pilot or pre-production quantity.
A forecast should be labeled as a forecast, not a committed order.
4. Define branding and packaging
Private-label requirements can materially affect the quotation. Include:
- Logo file and preferred application method, if known.
- Color reference or physical sample.
- Retail packaging format.
- Barcode and label requirements.
- Inserts, instructions and language requirements.
- Carton markings and quantity per carton, if specified.
- Any buyer or retailer packaging standard.
Ask the supplier to separate product cost, logo or decoration cost, packaging cost and any setup or tooling cost where appropriate. Confirm what artwork approval and physical packaging samples are included.
5. Identify testing and documentation needs
State the target market and the applicable standard, retailer protocol or buyer specification if known. If you are not certain which requirement applies, say so and ask what information is needed to review it; do not assume that a generic material statement covers the finished product.
Clarify:
- Required test or standard.
- Whether a named laboratory is required.
- Which sample or production stage should be tested.
- Required report format and language.
- Who pays for testing and retesting.
- Whether a report must identify the exact SKU, color or construction.
The buyer should confirm legal and retailer requirements for the destination market with appropriate compliance support where necessary.
6. Ask for a project-specific commercial proposal
Request written confirmation of:
- MOQ and quantity assumptions.
- Sample availability, sample fees and shipping.
- Tooling scope and cost, if applicable.
- Unit price and the specification it covers.
- Color, logo and packaging inclusions.
- Testing and inspection costs.
- Production lead time and the event that starts the clock.
- Shipping terms, destination and quote validity.
- Tool ownership, maintenance, confidentiality and permitted use of custom design where relevant.
- Payment terms and approval milestones.
Avoid comparing quotations that use different materials, packaging, inspection levels or delivery assumptions.
7. Use a sample approval plan
Before mass production, define what the sample must prove. The checklist may include dimensions, function, appearance, color, logo, packaging and required documentation. Identify who is authorized to approve the sample and how revisions are recorded.
If a sample needs changes, ask for the cost and schedule impact before approving the next step. A sample approval should refer to the correct item and revision rather than a vague email statement.
Copy-and-use RFQ template
Project name:
Company / website:
Buyer type:
Target market and sales channel:
Product type or current SKU / URL:
Intended use:
Existing design or custom development:
Drawing / 3D file / reference sample / photos:
Dimensions and critical features:
Material or performance requirements:
Initial quantity:
Quantity by size / color:
Expected repeat-order volume (if known):
Color reference:
Logo artwork and method:
Packaging and labeling:
Required standards / test reports / retailer protocol:
Sample quantity and sample purpose:
Target delivery window:
Delivery destination / requested shipping terms:
Open questions or assumptions:
What happens after the RFQ?
The next step is normally a review of requirements and missing information, followed by feasibility feedback and a project-specific quotation. If tooling is required, the project may move through design confirmation, tooling, sampling and approval before production. The exact route depends on the product and scope.
Send your RFQ to Yobonjee
Use the Yobonjee contact page (https://szyobonjee.com/contact-us/) and include the product or drawing, target quantity, market, customization, packaging and documentation requirements. For an overview of the process, see Silicone Pet Products OEM/ODM (https://szyobonjee.com/silicone-pet-products-manufacturer/) and Prototype & Sampling (https://szyobonjee.com/prototype-sampling/).
MOQ, sample fees, tooling, testing, pricing and lead time are confirmed after the actual project scope is reviewed.
