Comparable quotes require the same revision, purchasing scope and assumptions. Before an RFQ, align drawings, material, quantities, appearance and acceptance requirements. After replies arrive, separate tooling, parts, trials, freight, taxes and exclusions.
1. Define the purchasing scope
State whether the request covers tooling only, tooling with trial samples, or tooling with ongoing molded-part supply. Record quantity brackets, mold ownership or transfer, trials, samples, inspection records, packaging, shipping, maintenance and handover documents. A one-time tooling charge, a part price and a trial charge are different cost lines. Review the mold service page, but keep the actual scope in the written RFQ.
2. Buyer inputs and supplier assumptions
Missing information should be marked “to be confirmed,” not “not required.”
| Buyer provides | Supplier must state | If different |
|---|---|---|
| Part number, 2D/3D revision, material, quantity and appearance | Files used, omissions, assumptions and quantity bracket | Align revision; issue a new quote for changes |
| Inspection records, destination and packaging | Included processing, inspection, delivery and transfer scope | Mark included, excluded or open |
| Tooling-only or tooling-plus-parts scope | Trial, modification, maintenance and handover boundary | Compare different scopes as options |
3. Use one supplier reply table
A/B fields are for suppliers to complete. No quote values are invented.
| Comparison item | Buyer baseline | Supplier A | Supplier B | Clarify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-time tooling charge | [buyer to complete] | [supplier to complete] | [supplier to complete] | [to confirm] |
| Part price and quantity brackets | [buyer to complete] | [supplier to complete] | [supplier to complete] | [to confirm] |
| Trial samples, reports and modifications | [buyer to complete] | [supplier to complete] | [supplier to complete] | [to confirm] |
| Packaging, freight, taxes, payment and validity | [buyer to complete] | [supplier to complete] | [supplier to complete] | [to confirm] |
| Maintenance, transfer, exclusions and assumptions | [buyer to complete] | [supplier to complete] | [supplier to complete] | [to confirm] |
4. Compare cost lines
Confirm whether part pricing already includes tooling amortization; do not add it twice. Use the same basis for trials, inspection, packaging, freight and taxes. If only tooling is purchased, do not invent a part price. A price difference may come from material, quantity, tooling approach, inspection or transfer boundaries, so ask for an explanation before ranking quotes.
5. Close open conditions
List missing data and assumptions, ask each supplier for effects, options and exclusions, set one baseline with procurement, engineering and quality, keep options separate, and record a new quote revision after a drawing, material or quantity change. Use the pre-tooling DFM review checklist for design risks; this article focuses on quote scope and cost lines.
FAQ
Can a quote start with only a sample or photo?
It can start a discussion and reveal missing inputs, but it is not a complete tooling basis. Add usable 2D/3D files, material, quantities, appearance and acceptance requirements.
Why can quotes for the same part differ?
Check scope, material, quantity bracket, tooling approach, trials, inspection and transfer. A difference alone does not prove quality.
Can tooling cost be compared directly with part price?
No. Tooling is a one-time cost while part pricing depends on quantity and supply scope. Confirm amortization and compare separated lines.
What if material or quantity is not final?
Mark a baseline assumption and list alternatives separately. A conditional estimate is not a final commitment.
Can an old quote be reused after a drawing change?
Not automatically. Send the new revision and change points, confirm the impact, and record a new quote version.
Submit drawings and RFQ conditions
Prepare the latest drawings, 3D model, material, quantities, appearance and acceptance requirements, then use the inquiry submission page. List open conditions separately.
