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Request For Quote

What is a RFQ?

A Request for Quote (RFQ) is a package of documents submitted to a company for pricing of parts, assemblies, and/or special processes. The documents within the RFQ package include manufacturing prints or drawings of the parts and assemblies to be manufactured. Other documents may include quantities, bill of materials, parts list, quality clauses, specifications, first article forms, terms and conditions, etcetera. The RFQ package should include everything needed to meet the manufacturing requirements. The one document we absolutely require is the dimensional prints.

What is required to submit an RFQ?

The first things we will need are full dimensional prints.  The prints should also include the following:

  • Material type
  • Material thickness
  • Finish requirements
  • Quantity(s)

Now, you may be wondering why we need such detailed information right up front. At VIP, we actually go through the planning process of manufacturing your part(s) to ensure we can manufacture it, and to also identify if there are alternatives that will make you part less expensive to fabricate. This means no hidden “oops” fees later on. This also allows us to properly assign a realistic lead time.  This may seem like a lot of work upfront, which it definitely is! However, it is a great benefit for you and us because once your company is ready to place an order, the planning has already been done, which means we can go straight into manufacturing on the shop floor, allowing for shorter lead times than many other manufacturers.

VIP requires professional drawings that we can fabricate parts to. Here is an example of a good print and a bad print:

Good Print                                                          Bad Print

faqs faqs

Here is a video illustrating the minimum requirements for a quote:

What if I don't have prints or the minimum requirements?

If you do not have prints, the material type, material thickness, or finish, we recommend contacting our Business Development Team who will help set you in the right direction based on your needs. Whether you need engineering and design services, print generation, manufacturing recommendations, or you need suggestions, feel free to contact us! We're here to help!

Below illustrates the standard procedure VIP uses for all customers who submit an RFQ.

Customer submits

Customer's Prints Require:

  • Material Type
  • Material Thickness
  • Overall dimensions (include critical dimensions if any)
  • Hardware with manufacturer and part number
  • Weld call outs and locations
  • Cosmetic Criteria if other than industry standards
  • Metal Finishing Requirements (i.e. paint, powder, etc. with manufacturer and part number)
  • Function of part (optional)

 

Customer submits
  • RFQ is reviewed to see if it fits our capabilities
  • Generally within 24 hours of receiving RFQ

 

 

Customer submits

The following departments may be involved in the quoting process:

  • Customer Service
  • Estimating
  • Engineering
  • Production Manager

Generally 3 to 5 business days to process

 

Customer submits

Quote Letter emailed to you will include:

  • Part numbers / Rev
  • Price
  • Lead Time
  • Any exceptions that differ from your print

Valid 30 days

 

Customer submits
  • Submit PO
  • Note: If any exceptions and/or conditions exist on Quote Letter, then they need to be accepted on PO or email.
  • Submit Cad / Solid files / print files (if not already provided)
  • VIP will respond with a confirmation
  • Require 50% up-front and 50% upon delivery for all first time orders and until terms are established.

If you're ready to submit an RFQ to VIP, please visit the contact page or read more frequently asked questions.

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