A useful magnetic tiles RFQ gives every supplier the same product reference, quantity, packaging route, destination market and decision deadline. The goal is not a long form; it is enough shared information to prevent suppliers from quoting different products under the same word “tiles.”
Use the sections below as a copy-and-paste brief. If a field is unknown, label it “to be confirmed” instead of allowing each supplier to make a different assumption.
1. Identify the product precisely
- Product form: flat magnetic tiles or magnetic blocks
- Supplier model, SKU or reference photograph and link
- Piece count, shape mix, dimensions and accessories required
- Intended age grade and any approved warnings or instructions
- Sample reference, if the quote must match an approved sample
“Magnetic building blocks” can describe more than one construction. State the form explicitly so a flat tile set is not compared with a cube or mixed system. If you are open to alternatives, ask suppliers to quote each alternative on a separate line with the differences listed.
2. Separate quantity from the order scenario
Write the immediate quantity and the reason for it: sample, one-carton test, replenishment or planned launch. For regular eligible models, one carton may be a starting route, but the current units per carton and stock status are SKU-specific. Ask for both the number of retail sets and the outer-carton quantity.
- Requested quantity by SKU
- Whether mixed models or mixed themes are acceptable
- One-time test order or expected repeat order
- Requested sample quantity and whether it is approved before production
- Any target ship window or launch date
3. Define packaging and light customization
Packaging changes the commercial item and may change the carton. State whether you need standard packaging, a reusable tin, color box, sleeve, instruction manual, storage bag or private-label artwork. List what you will supply and what the supplier must create or print.
- Packaging version and language(s)
- Logo, barcode, warning, instruction and label requirements
- Artwork status: reference only, print-ready or design assistance needed
- Whether packaging samples or a pre-production approval are required
- Any separation between regular stock and custom packaging
Do not assume the regular one-carton route applies to a custom project. Ask the supplier to state custom minimums, setup charges and timing separately from the standard SKU quote.
4. State the destination and document scope
Tell the supplier where the goods will be sold, not only where they will ship. Include EU countries or the US market, intended age grade and whether you need documents for an importer, school buyer or marketplace file. Ask which evidence is available for the exact model and which items require confirmation.
- Destination market and sales channel
- Required test reports or conformity documents, if already specified
- Document language and file format
- Whether the quote must include a document review or sample-to-report match
- Any customer deadline for receiving the file set
For market-specific planning, use the EU versus US compliance document checklist. Avoid asking for a generic “CE certificate” or “CPSC certificate”; request the applicable evidence for the SKU and market.
5. Request a comparable quotation format
Ask each supplier to break out the same fields. This prevents an attractive unit price from hiding a different package, carton or service scope.
- Unit price and currency, tied to the exact SKU and packaging version
- MOQ or carton minimum, plus units per carton
- Sample cost and sample approval route
- Artwork, tooling, packaging or other one-time charges, if applicable
- Current stock or production route and estimated preparation time
- Carton dimensions, gross/net weight and packing assumptions when available
- Shipping basis or excluded freight/tax assumptions
- Payment terms and quote validity date
Regular orders may have a confirmed preparation window of 3–7 days after order confirmation; that is preparation only and does not include international transit. Ask the supplier to identify the timing basis rather than copying a generic lead-time line.
6. Add a decision and follow-up block
End the RFQ with a response format and a deadline for clarification. Ask suppliers to mark unknown fields, exclusions and substitutions. When replies arrive, compare them in one sheet and return questions against the same SKU reference.
- Quote due date and buyer contact
- Required response currency and units
- “No substitution without written approval” instruction
- Open questions and documents still outstanding
- Next gate: sample, document review, order confirmation or packaging approval
After receiving replies, use the wholesale quote checklist to check completeness. If the product itself is still undecided, compare suppliers only after normalizing the specification.
Copy-and-paste RFQ skeleton
Product: [flat magnetic tiles / magnetic blocks], [SKU or reference], [piece count and accessories].
Quantity: [sets/cartons], [sample or first order], [mixed models yes/no].
Packaging: [standard/custom], [language], [artwork status], [manual/bag/label needs].
Market: [EU countries or US], [age grade], [document needs].
Quote fields: unit price, MOQ, units/carton, sample, one-time charges, preparation timing, carton data, shipping assumptions, payment terms and validity.
Next step: [sample approval / document review / order date]. Please list assumptions and exclusions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send only a product photo in an RFQ?
A photo helps identify a reference, but it is not enough for a comparable quote. Add the model or link, product form, packaging version, quantity, destination and customization notes.
Should a small buyer state a target price?
A target price is optional. A clearer first RFQ states the required specification and asks the supplier to separate product, packaging, inspection and shipping assumptions.
What quantity should a first RFQ request?
State the immediate test quantity and any likely reorder context. One-carton ordering may be possible for eligible regular models, but units per carton and availability must be confirmed for the SKU.
A complete RFQ does not need every answer. It needs every unknown labeled, so two suppliers cannot quietly quote two different products.