What We Need Before We Can Give a Useful Merchandise Quote

1. Define the quotation boundary

A quotation is useful only when it identifies what is included. State whether the request covers development, a physical sample, bulk production, accessories, labels, individual packing, inspection, export cartons and delivery. Optional items should appear as separate lines.

For a mixed collection, separate every product and SKU. One total quantity can hide several artwork checks, production setups, labels and packing combinations. Keep the common launch date and visual rules at collection level, then record size, quantity and options for each SKU.

2. Include the minimum information

• Product type and use: plush, plush keychain, acrylic charm, standee, pin, badge, printed goods, packaging or an open format with a stated use.
• Artwork status: approved character art, draft, front view only, reference images or a file that needs review.
• SKU quantity: quantity per design, color and size variation, or a planning range with the split marked open.
• Target size: finished height, longest side, diameter or the product dimensions the package must hold.
• Fixed requirements: protected character features, colors, materials, hardware, labels or packaging that cannot change.
• Destination and receiving date: the country and the date the goods are needed, not only a preferred factory completion date.

If you need a decision rather than a quote: for example, choosing between plush and acrylic: state that first. The buyer decision map will route the question before commercial comparison begins.

3. Add the inputs that change each product

Plush: pose, target height, available front/side/back views, critical facial details, fabric direction, clothing, embroidery, printed parts, removable accessories and label position. Plush keychains: add hardware style, hanging direction and attachment point.

Acrylic: finished dimensions, cutline direction, print side, hole or base, hardware, protective film and packing. A standee also needs the character-to-base relationship and intended front direction.

Pins, badges and magnets: process, size, shape, colors, finish, backing, design count and backing-card or blind-pack requirements. A printed badge is not interchangeable with an enamel pin.

Packaging and paper goods: real product dimensions, pack count, board or paper direction, insert, barcode, approved copy, display orientation and shipping purpose. Packaging affects assembly, carton quantity and freight, so it cannot be added as an unnamed assumption.

4. Keep open decisions visible

Use a simple status beside each important field: confirmed, preferred, open or not applicable. A workable brief can say that four acrylic designs are approved, silver-tone keyrings and individual bags are preferred, the final cutlines remain open, and backing cards should be quoted separately.

Version-date the artwork and RFQ. When a decision changes, update the affected SKU line and ask for that line to be requoted. Do not rely on scattered chat messages as the only commercial record.

5. Compare scope before comparing unit price

Check whether every quotation uses the same size, materials, quantity per SKU, sample work, accessories, labels, packaging, inspection boundary and delivery term. Note exclusions and provisional figures. A lower price is not comparable when it omits work another quotation includes.

MOQ, price, sample timing, bulk timing, testing, supplier availability and logistics require a current project review. AIYYANG first identifies missing inputs and normalizes the scope; we do not turn a general checklist into a fixed commercial promise.

Send the information you already have through the form below. Unknown details can remain open, but the product, artwork version, quantity logic and decision owner should be visible.

One direct answer about RFQ preparation