Structure the brief
Write down product, materials, quantities, market, timing and your decision criteria.
Buyer guide
How to write an apparel RFQ
A clear RFQ gets better replies because the factory can evaluate whether it has the right product, materials and production route.
Include these essentials
- Product category and product images or technical pack
- Fabric, trims, finish and colour requirements
- Size range, target market and required testing
- Estimated quantity per style and per colour
- Target delivery date and destination
- Your requested sample, pricing and documentation timeline
Do not hide critical information
A factory cannot give a meaningful answer without volume, product complexity, market and timing. Be clear early, then protect sensitive details with an NDA if necessary.
Ask for a structured reply
Request confirmation of product fit, sample plan, expected MOQ, estimated lead time, documentation available and questions that must be resolved before quoting.
Use the RFQ formUse this in a real sourcing process
What a factory needs before it can give a useful answer
An RFQ works when the buyer removes ambiguity. Include drawings or reference images, bill of materials, quantities, target market, sample need, delivery date, packaging and required testing.
Record the answer
Keep the factory’s response, documents, assumptions and open questions in one approval record.
Confirm in writing
Commercial terms, sample approvals, test scope and delivery milestones must be programme-specific.
Use the free buyer tools
Build a structured RFQ before contacting suppliers, then use the verification checklist before you approve a factory for a specific programme.