An apparel request for quotation, or RFQ, should tell a supplier exactly what to price and which details still need confirmation. A clear request reduces the chance that two attractive-looking quotes cover different products, packaging or quantities. Start with a short brief and a structured quantity table.

Identify the product version

Give the garment a working style code and attach a reference image, sketch or specification. Describe the fit, fabric requirements, colour and major construction details. If a detail is undecided, mark it as open instead of leaving the supplier to treat an assumption as an agreed requirement.

For example, “crew neck T-shirt, relaxed fit, fabric proposal requested” communicates a different task from “produce against approved sample TS01”. Make that distinction visible at the beginning of the enquiry.

Show quantities by variant

List sizes and colours separately, with totals that add up correctly. A hypothetical request for 120 shirts could specify 60 black and 60 navy, with 20 each in medium, large and extra large within each colour. This is an example of a clear breakdown, not a suggested order minimum.

Ask the supplier to identify any minimums that affect your mix. Our clothing MOQ guide explains why a total quantity alone may not answer that question.

State what the price should include

• Garment construction and the proposed or specified material.
• Labels, hangtags and any print or embroidery.
• Individual packing and carton requirements.
• Sample charges and whether they are separate.
• Transport arrangements and the delivery destination.
• Any other quoted charges, shown as separate lines.

Ask for a consistent reply

Request the currency, unit price, total price, quote validity, sample timing and production timing. Ask when the production timing begins: an estimate measured from sample approval cannot be compared directly with one measured from initial enquiry. Have the supplier list exclusions and assumptions explicitly.

Where delivery terms are used, ask both parties to confirm the responsibilities they intend. Do not infer that transport, import handling or other destination costs are included because a quote mentions a destination.

Control revisions

Put a date and revision number on the brief. If you change fabric, decoration or quantities, send a revised version and request an updated quote. Keep the earlier response for comparison, but avoid mixing its prices with the new specification.

Finish with the next decision

Tell the supplier whether you want feasibility feedback, a sample proposal or a firm quote against an approved specification. A clear next step makes the response easier to act on.

For Attirings enquiries, use the wholesale service information and send your brief through Contact Us. Confirm current commercial details for the actual order rather than treating an example as a quotation.