Alibaba RFQ

Alibaba is the globe’s most extensive index of factories and supplier platforms. Before you source from Alibaba, you must know how to request quotations properly.

Having the expertise of 10 years in the sourcing field, we will help you regarding the Alibaba RFQ and Alibaba RFQ function. It’s crucial for you to know how to utilize RFQ and interact with those vendors.

In this guide, we are focusing on exploring more useful messages about Alibaba RFQ.

What is Alibaba RFQ?

Alibaba Request for Quotation is a facility given by Alibaba to a customer for posting a buying request.

Also, the buyers can handle every quotation on the platform of Alibaba Request for Quotation. RFQs are a pretty handy tool when you want to compare the prices of various suppliers to find the lowest price possible.

There are four types of Alibaba RFQ given:

1. Invited Bid— The buyer invites specific sellers to bid.
2. Open Bid— The buyer allows the sellers to bid openly and check other supplier bids.
3. Sealed Bid— sellers tender a quote for the inventory.  A sealed bid will only be visible to the suppliers whom you send it to.
4. Reverse Auction — Open and lowest price bidding seller wins the bid.

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1. How does Alibaba RFQ work?

Posting the Request for Quotation from the customer’s end is very easy. You only have to join the Alibaba account, fill out the RFQ registration form, and press “submit RFQ.”

When RFQ is presented, Alibaba experts will review it before posting or releasing it into the market.

Then, it will be matched with an ideal vendor.

The vendors will search for related Request for Quotation as per the name and category of the product. If the RFQ interests the vendor, they will give you lowest price quote via RFQ.

Afterward, you can assess, contrast, and request for quotation.

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2. Is it free to use the Alibaba RFQ service?

Actually, there are two kinds of Alibaba Requests for Quotation services. The first is a free RFQ service that lets at minimum ten quotations from distinct vendors.

The other is Paid RFQ service, in which the customer can select value-added services for an extra amount. The Paid RFQ service is ranked as Quality RFQ in the market by Alibaba.

So the vendors will communicate more strongly.

 3. What is the best benefit of Alibaba’s RFQ service?

Alibaba RFQ function benefit buyers in the following form:

• Quicker vendor response. The Request for Quotation attracts vendors to approach me and create 10-15 quotes in a few minutes. I get a VARIETY of quotes with varying prices. Settling on the BEST DEALS becomes quite easy.
• Convenient cost comparison. You may check and contrast the quotations on a single page to assess them all.
• Proactive vendor services. The supplier follows up and tries to establish a great relationship with you.

4. Disadvantages of Alibaba RFQ 

With Request for Quotation service, you will have no option to select the kind of vendor before quoting. You will know the companies offer you the quotes while getting the costs. You will see some excerpts from third parties as well.

You get many quotations with RFQ but with no supplier screening. It will be difficult for you to recognize if the quotes are the most acceptable costs.

When you are unsatisfied, you need to launch one other course in RFQ. Till the time you get the one, you want to make a trade

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How Do I Use RFQ On Alibaba? 

Step1: Go to Alibaba RFQ main page

I have used many ways. Especially on Alibaba App, there is a special icon for the RFQs. I receive emails on my RFQs quotes. If you use the desktop, you should visit the link. 

Step2: Complete the RFQ form

While completing the RFQ form, make sure to take care of these things to attract the multiple suppliers.

• 1. Specify your product name or category, product specifications, and quantity.

A short product category or name will simplify vendors to locate your RFQ.

Also, do not opt for small quantities; good vendors will not get motivated to send quotes.

I get the QUOTE for at least 20 products. Sometimes, I write even 100+ products to MOTIVATE and get the right quote from.the factories. Bulk inventory gets me HUGE DISCOUNTS.

• 2. Upload photos of products

It will be easier for vendors to see if they have the products in the pictures. Or if they need to create the exact products you need.

•  3. Request Details

More suppliers want to assess your buying demands. Make sure to give each other vital details in RFQ form.

Step3: Submit RFQ

Choose one kind of RFQ that best suits your current compliance requirements. After that, simply press “Submit RFQ” to submit your form.

Step4: Check quotations in the message center of the Alibaba RFQ dashboard 

You will find all the vendor quotations and contact numbers in your messages. So start assessing them one at a time.

I go through all the QUOTES. Check their price. Visit the COMPANY PROFILE. And assess how their previous deals were. That is how I land a PERFECT SUPPLIER. 

Step5: Select among suppliers and Contact Suppliers

After assessing the profiles and quotes of the multiple suppliers, you can choose 2-3 to communicate with them.

Step6: Ask for Samples

Contact suppliers, negotiate with them, and ask for their samples to check the quality.

What I do:

Hi! I own an established company in the US. I need 100+ products. But before I make a big order, can I get a sample to assess the quality.

Most of the time I get FREE SAMPLES.

Step7: Place your Order

When you find the best one meeting your needs, go to that specific supplier and place the order.

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How to discuss Alibaba RFQ Details?

The key to an adequate Alibaba RFQ sample is to create quality content for RFQ.  is to allure quality vendors.

The Alibaba RFQ sample should be concise with five paragraphs.

1. Introducing yourself and specifying the product in the first

Introduce yourself and select the product you want to buy in the initial paragraph. Use your company’s name but write the para concisely and most clearly.

Why do I recommend short descriptions?

Because it is ATTRACTIVE and saves time. Manufacturer thinks you are a Real BUYER. So, they offer you the best price.

2. Specifying the quantity

If it is just for trying, you can mention, you will place a large order the second time.

3. Talking about Packaging

 Certain vendors give a low-cost quotation first; they then add packaging costs.

Hence, discuss the cost of packaging in the beginning. So they will not charge you extra fees later.

4. Asking about the Importing process

 

Shipping is a HEADACHE for me. Before I deal, I always want to know when the product will ARRIVE. If shipping is FAST, My head turns a GREEN SIGNAL. Therefore, it is better to discuss the import process.

If you tell your vendor that you have a freight forwarder, it displays that you are an expert buyer. So you will not be ripped off over the shipping cost by the supplier.

5. Detailing the address

If you like your vendor to assist you with shipping the products via sea to a particular place in your nation. Then the vendor’s freight agent will require a complete address. To evaluate an actual shipping expense.

And I shared the address to identify the TOTAL COST. For example, if I live in Europe, I add the address. Supplier gives a QUOTE for the shipping process and total cost of the shipping.

6. MOQ

Mention the minimum order of quantity you would like to buy. Multiple suppliers bid the quote accordingly.

7. Sample cost

Suppliers cost sample cost. You must know the sample cost of the inventory and mention it in the buyer’s request.

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How To Select The Best RFQ On Alibaba

The quoted price is sometimes the last qualifying element when choosing a producer. A unit cost is formed on four elements that are:

1. Product Specifications

Product specification is something I don’t compromise on. Even if I have to go for the product customization, I do it. Whenever I buy an item, check the specification first.

The material, function, dimension, and component of a product define its factory cost. Many Chinese producers work as OEMs. So most vendors can give long rundowns of ODM, products, or factories.

The customer needs to communicate about the item specification when getting ODM items.

2. Product Compliance

Creating goods in compliance with global US & EU regulations and applicable standards is costly. RoHS elements are more expensive compared to Non-RoHS parts.

They ensure assent with the FCC Part 15 or EMC directive.

The non-compliant item is more affordable compared to a compliant product. Chinese producers do not quote a cost based on compliant products unless you tell them.

3. Quantity

The more the quantity, the less the cost. But ensure that producers, not like wholesalers, work on low margins. They contain less room for cost reduction.

The volume-based cost reduction pans out after reaching 5 to 6 times the requirement of MOQ.

Quantity is a BIGGER FACTOR. I check the RFQ for the given quantity. And select the one that has a FAIR PRICE. Very low price feels fishy. So, a Fair price is a GOOD DEAL.

 4. Shipping Incoterm

 The Incoterm explains at the stage; the freight is moving from the customer to the vendor. The Incoterm is cost into unit price. It has a significant influence on:

• EXW

The customer must organize delivery from the factory as well as customs clearance. The producer handles the generation and owns no role in the delivery.

• FOB

The vendor handles the delivery to the loading harbor, such as Shenzhen, custom clearance, or Shanghai. The customer must organize forwarding from the harbor of loading.

• CIF 

The vendor handles the delivery to the destination. Such as Mexico or Paris. The customer must organize domestic forwarding as well as unloading.

• DAP 

The vendor handles the delivery from the origin to the address. Such as your office or storehouse.

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How To Get More RFQs Outside Of Alibaba

Alibaba has not invented the RFQ process. This guide defines how you submit RFQ when vendors on other sites or at trading show up.

1. Creating an RFQ (Request for Quote) template 

The things you must include are:

• Technical Specifications

When I buy a smartphone, looking at the RAM and ROM is essential. It helps decide whether to buy or not. The same is true in RFQ. Jotting down technical specifications helps make a better choice.

The quoted cost is of no use when you don’t know what requirements. You can do this in the following ways:

• Applicable Standards & Regulations

Checking compliance with global (RoHS, CPSIA, or REACH) needs technical skills.

• Supplier Information & Trade Terms 

The following info is required to specify by the potential suppliers.

• Trading Company info – the capital, address, and contact person.
• Compliance docs – technical files, test reports, and info of conformity.
• Company certificates – social compliance, standard certificate, and audit report.
• General terms – MOQ, ODM, OEM sample, and making time.
• Payment terms – bank account, MOV, Payment plans.

2. List suppliers and send RFQs

Now, let’s talk about vendor selection of RFQ process. You will not find any hidden supplier network. Chinese producers, similar to other businesses, like to be located by prospective customers. This is how you discover them.

• Globalsources.com

An expert in the industry. It is more powerful compared to Alibaba.com. It has many industries, particularly electronics, but is more limited in many sections.

• HKTDC.com

  is a directory that lists famous and well-known Hong Kong companies. Their trade fairs are top-notch compared to their guide on the web.

• Trade Fairs

When you meet your supplier in person, it is the best method to choose the primary supplier.

• Sourcing agent

 When you hire a china sourcing agent that is reliable. You will have a list of famous and trustworthy suppliers. Hiring a sourcing agent is effective in many ways, such as:

• You will know the multiple suppliers who respond and communicate well.
• Your agent will only introduce you to potential suppliers who have compliance certificates.
• Your agent will be able to give them a sample of their products.
• Your agent will have many backups for you ready (though they won’t be needed).

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3. Gathering Quoted price information

Here is a list of essential things that you need for moving things forward:

• I start with a phone or Skype call. Also, follow up and send your Alibaba RFQ file. In the end, ensure you make a deadline. It helps deal better, discuss better, and get RESULTS BETTER. You’ll end up making a GOOD DEAL.
• Continue sending reminder notifications through Skype or email.
• When they send you the first draft if it is not perfect. Ask them for revisions to the point you get satisfied and have everything in detail.
• Store the info in a document.
• Get a Chinese translator if you need extra assistance.

No doubt, it is an exhausting procedure demanding lots of work. The only means to get the info is to apply the process we have described to contact the right supplier.

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The FAQ For Alibaba RFQ  Procedure 

Conclusion

In the end, we would like to give you some suggestions. To find the best supplier among many RFQ vendors. Opt for producers rather than trading companies.

No doubt, it is an exhausting procedure demanding lots of work. The only means to get the info is to apply the process we have described to contact the right supplier.

We hope you find this guide helpful and informative. For further queries and suggestions, don’t forget to drop a comment below.