How to Write a China Sourcing Inquiry That Gets Fast, Accurate Quotes

Why Most Inquiries Get Vague Quotes

A supplier can only quote what you specify. A one-line 'price please' forces them to guess—and they'll quote conservatively, pad the price, or ignore you. The difference between a fast, accurate quote and a slow, inflated one is usually the quality of the inquiry.

The 6 Things Every Inquiry Needs

To get a comparable, accurate quote, always include: (1) product type and intended use, (2) exact specs—size, material, dimensions, finish, (3) quantity and MOQ you're targeting, (4) target unit price if you have one, (5) incoterm and destination port (e.g. FOB Tianjin), and (6) a realistic delivery timeline. The more specific, the faster and cheaper your quote.

A Template You Can Copy

Subject: RFQ — [Product] — [Qty] to [Port]. Body: 'Hello, we are [Company] in [Country], importing [product type]. We are seeking a factory-direct quote for: [spec details with size/material/finish]. Target quantity: [qty], MOQ acceptable: [moq]. Incoterm: FOB [port]. Target price: [amount] / unit (if applicable). Lead time: [weeks]. Please quote with break down of product, packing, and shipping. We look forward to your best price.' Keep it clear and specific—suppliers respond to professionals.

What Separates Serious Buyers

Serious buyers name a quantity, accept that samples and MOQ have costs, and respond quickly to follow-ups. Mentioning your intended market and volume signals a real order. Suppliers triage inquiries ruthlessly—a detailed RFQ from a clear buyer goes straight to the top of the quote queue.

The One-Relationship Advantage

If you're sourcing across multiple product lines, one RFQ to a cluster-based partner gets you comparable quotes from several factories at once—instead of chasing a dozen suppliers individually. You also get a single accountable point for QC and shipping. That's the efficiency most mid-sized buyers are missing.