How to Request a Quote from a China Fastener Factory (RFQ Guide)
A complete, well-structured RFQ gets you accurate pricing fast. Here is what fastener factories in China need from you — and how to avoid the most common quotation delays.
Why a good RFQ matters
Every fastener factory receives dozens of inquiries a day. The ones that get answered first — and quoted accurately — are the ones with complete information. A vague inquiry ("need some screws, quote please") generates a clarifying reply, not a price. A complete RFQ can be quoted within hours.
The 8 things every RFQ should include
1) Part type and description (bolt, screw, nut, washer…). 2) Dimensions and drawing — PDF, DXF, or 3D file. 3) Material and grade (e.g., carbon steel 8.8, stainless 304). 4) Size, thread, and head style (M8 x 25 hex head, full thread). 5) Standard or custom (DIN 933, ISO 4017, or build-to-print). 6) Surface finish and any plating standards. 7) Quantity and annual volume. 8) Target price and delivery date.
Send a drawing whenever possible
A drawing removes all ambiguity. If you have a sample part instead, send photos with a ruler in the frame plus basic measurements. For custom parts, factories will also do a DFM (Design for Manufacturing) review — many suppliers, including Taily Metal, offer free suggestions to reduce cost.
Be realistic about quantity
Cold heading economics improve dramatically with volume. If your initial order is small but your annual volume is large, say so — suppliers can price the annual volume and stage production. Honest quantity information gets you honest pricing.
What a good quote includes
A professional quotation covers: unit price by quantity tier, tooling cost (if any), sample cost and lead time, production lead time, packaging, and shipping terms (FOB, CIF, DDP). Compare quotes on total landed cost, not just unit price.
Samples before mass production
Always order samples first — for custom parts, 7–10 days is typical. Check dimensions, material, and finish against your spec, and keep a signed sample as the acceptance baseline for mass production.
Avoid these common mistakes
1) No drawing. 2) No finish specified — you get the cheapest default. 3) Mixed units (inches vs mm) without clarity. 4) Asking for 12.9 strength on stainless steel. 5) Comparing quotes with different shipping terms as if equal.
Ready to send your RFQ?
Taily Metal replies to complete inquiries within 24 hours with a detailed quotation. Email [email protected] with your drawing and quantity — or use the contact form on this site.
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