When buyers send an RFQ for custom metal or plastic parts, they often expect a fast unit price. Inside a factory, however, an RFQ is not only a price request. It is a technical review, production risk check, process planning step, and quality control discussion.
A reliable quotation should reflect what can actually be produced, inspected, packed, and delivered consistently.
Executive Summary
After receiving a custom parts RFQ, a factory reviews drawings, materials, tolerances, surface finish, production process, tooling or fixture needs, inspection requirements, packaging, quantity, lead time, and risk points. Clear RFQ information helps the supplier provide a realistic price and reduces problems before mass production.
Who This Guide Is For
- Buyers preparing RFQs for custom metal or plastic parts.
- Procurement teams comparing quotes from multiple suppliers.
- Engineering teams who want faster and more accurate supplier feedback.
- Brand owners planning OEM/ODM repeat production.
Key Takeaways
- A factory cannot quote accurately if drawings and specifications are incomplete.
- Material grade, tolerance, surface finish, and quantity change the process route.
- Inspection and packaging requirements should be included before quoting.
- A slower but careful RFQ review often prevents larger production problems later.
1. Drawing and File Review
The factory first checks whether the buyer has provided 2D drawings, 3D files, critical dimensions, thread details, tolerance notes, surface finish requirements, and assembly information.
If only a 3D file is provided, the factory may understand the shape but not the inspection standard. If only a drawing is provided without application context, manufacturability risks may be missed.
2. Material and Surface Finish Review
A request that only says aluminum, steel, brass, or plastic is usually not enough. The factory needs grade, thickness, hardness, finish requirements, corrosion expectations, and any compliance requirements.
Surface finishing also affects price and lead time. Anodizing, electroplating, polishing, coating, e-coating, and painting each have different process controls and appearance limits.
3. Process Route and Capacity Review
The factory then estimates whether the part should be made by CNC machining, laser cutting, welding, injection molding, stamping, finishing, assembly, or a combined process route.
For large orders, the factory also checks production line capacity, fixture needs, QC staffing, finishing schedule, and export packing time.
4. Inspection and Packaging Review
Inspection requirements affect cost and delivery. FAI, dimensional reports, CMM checks, material certificates, process photos, final inspection, and packaging photos all require time and coordination.
Packaging should be discussed early because finished surfaces and export shipments need protection from scratches, deformation, moisture, and handling damage.
Factory Perspective
From the factory side, asking questions before quoting is not a delay. It is how the factory protects the buyer from wrong assumptions. A clear RFQ allows engineering, production, QC, and sales teams to align before the project moves forward.
Nbfeiyu operates with dedicated R&D, design, production, quality control, and sales functions, helping connect technical review with manufacturing planning and export delivery.
Buyer Checklist
- Send 2D drawings and 3D files when available.
- Define material grade, finish, tolerance, and quantity.
- Mark critical dimensions clearly.
- Explain the part application and assembly requirement.
- State inspection documents needed before shipment.
- Define packaging and export requirements early.
FAQ
Why do factories ask many questions before quoting?
Factories ask questions because missing information can change material cost, process choice, inspection time, lead time, and production risk.
Can a factory quote without a drawing?
A rough estimate may be possible, but an accurate production quote usually needs drawings, material requirements, tolerances, quantity, and finish information.
Why does the quoted price change after sample review?
Price may change if the sample reveals tighter tolerances, difficult finishing, special assembly work, or inspection requirements not included in the first RFQ.
Conclusion
A professional RFQ review helps buyers receive a realistic quotation, stable quality, and a more predictable production schedule.
Need support reviewing a custom parts RFQ? Contact Nbfeiyu to discuss drawings, materials, process options, inspection requirements, and OEM/ODM production planning.