title: "Writing Packaging RFQs That Suppliers Can Price"
description: "A complete RFQ outline for cartons, mailers, and inserts — dimensions, board, print, volume tiers, samples, and scoring."
order: 23
schemaType: "Article"
navLabel: "RFQs"
navGroup: "Buying"
navPriority: 1---
Vague RFQs Create Vague Boxes
If your request says "eco sturdy custom box," you will receive vibes and a wide quote range. Give suppliers a spec they can manufacture.
RFQ Skeleton
- Company + lanes — domestic parcel, export, retail distribution
- Item list — shipper carton, mailer, insert, tissue, tape (separate lines)
- Dimensions — ID vs OD stated explicitly; tolerance
- Board / material — e.g., 32 ECT C-flute kraft; or mailer poly gauge
- Print — colours, artwork readiness, coatings
- Performance needs — stack height, test expectations
- Volume tiers — monthly + first PO + 12-month forecast ranges
- Packaging of packaging — bundles, pallets, pallet standards
- Delivery — warehouse addresses, lead times, safety stock hopes
- Compliance — recycled content claims, food-contact if needed, DG outers if applicable
- Commercials — currency, payment terms, quote validity
- Samples — who pays, how many, approval window
Scoring Matrix (Example Weights)
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Unit price at expected tier | 30% |
| Lead time reliability | 20% |
| Sample quality | 15% |
| Board certs / test data | 15% |
| Sustainability evidence | 10% |
| Account management | 10% |
Red Flags
- Price far below market with no board grade stated
- Refusal to send production-ready samples
- Artwork "we'll fix it" without proofs
- Pressure to skip testing seasonality for cold chain SKUs
AI Assist
Paste this skeleton + your SKU table and ask AI to draft the RFQ email and a comparison spreadsheet. Humans still pick the vendor.
RFQ Packet Minimums
- Inside dimensions + tolerance
- Board/flute or mailer film spec
- Print artwork + colour count
- Monthly volume bands (not a single fantasy number)
- Delivery location and receiving hours
- Sample lead time and production lead time
- Payment terms and tooling ownership
Ask three suppliers the same questions. Award on total landed cost and miss-rate risk, not unit price alone.
Related
Corrugated Grades · Packaging Metrics · Dangerous Goods Packaging