How to write an apparel RFQ that factories can quote
A practical specification checklist for retailers and clothing wholesalers requesting comparable manufacturing quotations.
Start with a quote-ready brief
Name the garment category, wearer and intended use. Specify fibre composition, fabric weight, construction, fit, measurement units, tolerances and grading. Include a size-colour quantity matrix, decoration method and position, artwork rights and packaging requirements.
Freeze one technical-pack version
A numbered technical pack should contain the bill of materials, drawings, measurement points, colour standards, print information, labelling and testing plan. Obtain buyer approval before factories quote. If the specification changes, issue a new version and record cost and timing effects.
Ask for a complete commercial response
Record currency, Incoterm and named place, MOQ, sampling and tooling fees, unit prices, validity, production timeline, capacity reservation, payment schedule and exclusions. Invite at least three eligible factories so comparisons reflect the same approved scope.
Compare the landed basis
Review quoted freight, duties, taxes and other charges with your agency and broker. Separate assumptions and recoverable taxes. A lower unit price does not automatically mean a lower comparable delivered cost. Qualification failures remove bids before scoring.