A fast quotation is useful only when it prices the product you actually intend to buy. If key details are missing, a supplier must either pause to ask questions or quote assumptions. Those assumptions often explain why prices from different factories appear far apartโand why an early price sometimes changes after sampling.
You do not need to have every engineering decision finalized before contacting Yobonjee. We can work from a drawing, a physical reference or a clear concept. However, separating confirmed requirements from open questions allows us to prepare a more meaningful estimate and tell you what must be decided next.
The minimum information for a useful first review
- Product name and intended use
- Drawing, 3D file, reference photos or an existing sample
- Approximate dimensions or capacity
- Estimated order quantity and annual demand
- Target sales country or region
- Number of colors and logo requirement
- Packaging idea and target delivery location
If an item in our online product catalogue is your starting point, include the product link or screenshot and mark the changes you want. โSimilar to this, but largerโ is not enough unless the target dimensions and functions are also described.
| Quotation input | Why it matters | If it is not decided |
|---|---|---|
| Drawing or reference | Defines size, weight and tool complexity | Request a preliminary feasibility review |
| Order quantity | Affects setup allocation and production plan | Ask for prices at two or three realistic volumes |
| Material and use | Guides material and testing discussion | Describe contact, temperature and market |
| Color count | Changes material preparation and changeovers | Quote one launch color plus added-color option |
| Logo process | Affects tooling or secondary operations | Supply artwork and ask for suitable methods |
| Packaging | Can add separate MOQ, labor and dimensions | Compare bulk/plain pack with custom retail pack |
| Trade term and destination | Determines what logistics costs are included | Request an ex-factory basis first and clarify later |
1. Product files and physical references
For a fully custom design, a 3D model helps evaluate geometry and likely part weight, while a dimensioned 2D drawing identifies critical measurements and tolerances. For an existing design, a sample can communicate feel, flexibility and function that photographs cannot.
State whether the files are final, for quotation only or still under development. If confidentiality procedures are required, raise them before sending sensitive files. Also confirm which revision is current whenever you replace an attachment.
2. Quantity should reflect a real purchasing scenario
A request for โyour best priceโ without a quantity has no stable basis. Provide the expected first order and, if useful, a realistic annual forecast. A new brand may ask for a trial-volume option and a regular reorder option. This shows how fixed setup and packaging costs change at different quantities.
If you want several colors, state whether the total quantity is divided equally. Small quantities across many colors can be more expensive than the same total volume in one color.
3. Explain where and how the product will be used
Tell us whether the product contacts food, drinking water, skin, household chemicals or pet food; whether it is heated, frozen, stretched, folded or used outdoors; and the intended market. This information frames the material, functional validation and compliance conversation.
Do not rely on the phrase โfood gradeโ alone. If a particular customer protocol or legal test is required, name it and share the document when possible. Testing cost should be quoted against a defined scope, not assumed to cover every market.
4. Colors and branding need production details
Provide a color reference and the number of colors per order. For the logo, send vector artwork and indicate preferred size, location and colors. A molded logo, printed logo and other decoration methods have different cost structures and design limitations. We can recommend an approach once the product surface and expected appearance are understood.
5. Quote the sellable pack
List every item the customer receives: silicone part, lid, strap, brush, insert, instruction sheet, label and retail box. State whether assembly is required. Packaging can affect labor, carton size, freight and even product shape, especially for foldable items.
If custom packaging is not ready, ask for a clearly labeled provisional option. For example, compare a simple protective pack with a printed retail pack. Avoid treating estimated carton dimensions as final logistics data.
6. Clarify tooling, samples and quality expectations
- Is a new mold required or is an existing mold being considered?
- How many approval samples are needed and where should they be sent?
- Which dimensions and functions are critical?
- Is third-party inspection required?
- Are defect limits or a buyer quality manual available?
- Who approves drawings, samples and packaging?
7. State the commercial basis
Identify the quotation currency, destination, preferred trade term and required delivery window. Ask suppliers to separate one-time tooling, sample charges, testing, unit price, packaging and freight. This makes quotations easier to compare and prevents a low unit price from hiding excluded work.
How to send an efficient RFQ
Use a short email summary and attach the controlled files. Mark unknown items as โto be confirmed,โ and ask the supplier to list assumptions in the quotation. One consolidated set of questions is easier to manage than important requirements scattered across a long message thread.
Ready to request a quotation? Send the product link, drawing or reference photos, estimated quantity, market, colors and packaging plan through our contact page. We will review what is complete, identify the remaining decisions and prepare the quotation on an agreed basis.
Further reading: Compare Yobonjee’s silicone OEM/ODM process, then review how to evaluate a silicone products supplier before finalizing the project brief.
