A request for quotation (RFQ) is the start of every B2B purchase. Suppliers receive many enquiries, and the ones they can price quickly are the ones that answer their questions up front. A vague "please send your price list" usually leads to a round of questions — or no reply at all. A clear RFQ gets you comparable quotes sooner.
The eight details suppliers need
- Product and specification — name, size or weight, variant, grade, and a reference link or photo if you have one.
- Quantity — per item and in total. A range is fine (for example "first order, then monthly reorders").
- Destination — country and, ideally, the port or city of delivery.
- Trade terms — EXW, FOB or CIF; see our FOB vs CIF primer if you are unsure.
- Packaging and labelling — retail packs, cartons, private label or local-language stickers.
- Documents — certificates, ingredient lists, test reports or certificates of origin you need for import.
- Target price — optional, but it helps suppliers propose the right option.
- Timeline — when you need samples and when you plan to order.
A template you can copy
Product: Herbal body lotion, 400 ml bottle, two scents
Quantity: trial order, then monthly reorders if it sells
Destination: Manila, Philippines — CIF Manila
Packaging: retail bottles in export cartons; English label or space for a local sticker
Documents: ingredient list, certificate of origin
Target price: please quote at two quantity levels
Timeline: samples this month, first order next month
Mistakes that slow quotes down
- Asking for the "best price" without a quantity — prices depend on volume.
- Leaving out the destination — freight, documents and even packaging depend on it.
- Listing dozens of unrelated products in one message — split them by category or supplier.
- Not saying whether you want samples first.
Comparing the quotes
Put quotes side by side on the same terms: unit price, trade term, packing, lead time quoted, payment terms and documents included. The lowest unit price is not always the lowest landed cost. Before paying a new supplier, read how to verify a Thai supplier.
Send your RFQ on THAIMOST
Posting an RFQ on THAIMOST is free. Describe what you need on the RFQ page, or open any product in the catalog and request a quote directly from that supplier.