Jeff Albro: Tips for Job Shops Responding to RFQs

Tips for Job Shops Responding to RFQs

Here are some tips for job shops who respond to RFQs.

Give feedback on designs and pricing...

Be willing to give ballpark quotes. Designers need to know if they are talking $10 each or $1000 each before they do up a dimensioned drawing.

Be willing to tell designers if there is a better way to do something. I'm much more likely to purchase from someone who gives me feedback about the machinability of my designs.

Clear communication is important...

Use complete sentences, capitalization, and spelling in your correspondence. It doesn't have to be perfect, but when the a buyer is choosing between two quotes with the same price, it matters.

Respond to your e-mail and phone messages in a timely manner.

Provide pricing and options in a clear manner...

The buyer shouldn't need a calculator to compare quotes. Provide individual part cost as well as total cost.

Make sure to include pricing for the quantities listed in the RFQ, but feel free to list pricing for additional quantities.

If the RFQ includes optional services, such as vibratory finishing or anodizing, make sure to include the price for that service. If you can't provide an option, state that clearly in the quote. If you can provide a service that the customer might find useful, but didn't ask for, feel free to provide pricing for that option.

If you are from outside the customer's country, there is an added burden. You need to know how much the customer will have to pay for shipping, taxes, and customs fees to get the parts into your customer's hands. Eliminating uncertainty helps a customer select your quote.

Samples and examples...

Websites work best when you have pictures of parts you have made. Show close ups on the edge and finish quality.

Especially on larger jobs, you may want to offer a sample. Nothing builds confidence like a part in your customer's hand. Always include a business card. I like to tape the card to the sample to keep track of where each part came from.

Example parts are a great way to introduce customers to new materials and processes. If you are a laser or waterjet shop, cut some small samples with your website address cut into them using different materials.

Careful packing counts...

Never put adhesive tape on parts. Use pallet wrap instead.

If the parts are long and bendable, pallet wrap them to a board. It doesn't matter how good the parts are when they leave your shop, it matters how good they are when the customer opens the package.

Use re-closeable plastic bags instead of sealed bags.

You aren't done until the parts are in your customers' hands.

Let the customer know when you have shipped, and a tracking number if applicable.

Never ship COD without telling your customer.

Some places to look for RFQs to quote on are MFGQuote.com, RFQWork.com, and CNCZone.com.