By:Global OEMs
In the commercial procurement process, accurate product quotes are a key prerequisite for controlling costs and advancing cooperation. Many procurement personnel encounter problems such as large quote deviations and time-consuming repeated communications when inquiring with suppliers due to incomplete information provided. In fact, as long as you prepare the core information in advance, you can quickly obtain accurate quotes that meet your needs. Today, we will sort out the 4 key pieces of information that must be provided when requesting product quotes.
1. Clarify Product Specifications: The Basic Premise for Quotes
Product specifications are the core basis for suppliers to calculate costs and also the foundation for quote accuracy. Purchasers need to clearly inform suppliers of the specific parameters of the product, such as material, size, model, performance standards, and implementation specifications. Taking hardware accessories procurement as an example, it is necessary to specify whether the material is stainless steel or carbon steel, the specific specifications and dimensions, load-bearing capacity, etc.; for customized products, detailed design drawings or sample requirements must also be provided. Vague specification descriptions will make it difficult for suppliers to accurately calculate costs such as raw materials and production processes, which in turn will lead to overquoting or underquoting.
2. Confirm Required Quantity: The Key Factor Affecting Quote Tiers
The procurement quantity directly affects the supplier's pricing tiers, and large-volume purchases can often enjoy more preferential unit prices. Purchasers need to clearly inform the exact procurement quantity; if the fixed quantity cannot be determined temporarily, an estimated range can be provided to facilitate suppliers to give tiered quotes. When suppliers receive large-volume orders, they can reduce unit costs through bulk raw material purchases and optimized production scheduling. Therefore, accurate quantity information can help purchasers obtain more competitive prices.
3. Specify Packaging Requirements: Avoid Subsequent Cost Additions
Packaging requirements are also an important factor affecting quotes, and different packaging standards correspond to different cost inputs. Purchasers need to clarify the packaging method according to product characteristics and transportation needs, such as whether customized gift boxes, shockproof packaging, moisture-proof packaging are required, as well as environmental protection requirements for packaging materials, printing logos, etc. If packaging requirements are not specified in advance, suppliers may quote according to conventional packaging; subsequent adjustments to packaging are likely to incur additional costs and extend the cooperation cycle.
4. Provide Delivery Address: Accurately Calculate Logistics Costs
The delivery address is the core basis for suppliers to calculate freight, directly affecting the completeness of the final quote. Purchasers need to provide a detailed delivery address, including province, city, district, street, and house number, and at the same time indicate whether door-to-door delivery is required and whether it involves remote areas. Logistics costs vary greatly in different regions, and additional transportation surcharges may be incurred in remote areas. Informing the delivery address in advance allows suppliers to accurately include the freight in the final quote, avoiding subsequent freight disputes.
In summary, complete product specifications, accurate procurement quantity, clear packaging requirements, and detailed delivery address are the four core elements for obtaining accurate product quotes. Sorting out and providing this information in advance can not only reduce the communication cost between both parties but also help purchasers obtain more competitive quotes, laying a solid foundation for the smooth progress of subsequent cooperation. When inquiring about procurement quotes, adequate information preparation can make the procurement work more efficient and worry-free.
