Why suppliers ignore RFQs
Suppliers receive dozens of requests daily. The ones that get answered first share one trait: the buyer clearly knows what they want. A vague RFQ signals a window shopper; a precise one signals a purchase order.
The anatomy of a strong RFQ
Field Weak Strong
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Product phone accessories USB-C cable, 1m, braided nylon, 60W
Quantity large quantity 5,000 pcs first order, 20,000/year
Target price cheap target $0.85/pc FOB
Delivery ASAP FOB Shenzhen, ship by March 15
Certification none mentioned CE + RoHS required
Response speed by RFQ quality
:::chart Share of RFQs answered within 24h
Complete with specs and target price | 78
Complete but no target price | 52
Vague one-liner | 11
:::
Five rules
- Attach photos or drawings — one image replaces three emails.
- State your Incoterm and destination port — it changes every price.
- Give a target price range — it filters out suppliers who cannot compete.
- Say what happens next — sample first, then PO tells them you are real.
- Set a quote deadline — 48–72 hours creates urgency without pressure.
> The RFQ is your first product sample: it shows the supplier how professional the rest of the relationship will be.
Post it where suppliers compete
On Prebro, your RFQ is matched to suppliers in the right category, quotes arrive side by side for comparison, and accepting one opens a deal room with the terms already filled in.