How to Write a Multi-SKU RFQ for China Suppliers

Treat each SKU as its own quote line

A multi-SKU RFQ becomes hard to compare when suppliers must infer which requirement belongs to which item. Put each SKU on a separate line, then use a shared section for requirements that truly apply to every item.

For every SKU, state the product name or internal reference, the current specification file, requested quantity, required packaging and whether an alternative is acceptable.

1. Create a SKU schedule

Use a simple schedule before asking for prices:

If a supplier can quote only some lines, ask it to mark the missing lines rather than substituting a different item without notice.

2. Separate shared and SKU-specific requirements

Shared requirements may include destination, requested delivery basis, quote currency, artwork process, test requirement or target timing. SKU-specific requirements include material, dimensions, finish, colour, MOQ, accessory set and pack-out.

This prevents a supplier from applying one item’s MOQ or packaging assumption to the whole order.

3. Request the same commercial fields for every line

For each SKU, ask for:

• sample availability and price;
• MOQ and the basis for that minimum;
• unit price at the requested quantity and practical price breaks;
• tooling, setup, artwork or packaging charges;
• lead time and what starts that clock;
• product-specific exclusions or alternatives.

Then ask for the order-level fields separately: payment schedule, quote validity, freight assumption, delivery term and named place.

4. Keep alternatives outside the main comparison

Suppliers may offer a standard material, a different pack size or a higher quantity. These can be useful options, but they are not directly comparable with the requested line.

Create a separate row called supplier alternative and record exactly what changed. This makes the buyer’s next decision clear: accept the alternative, request a corrected quote or remove the line.

A practical handoff

Before sending the RFQ, check that another person could identify each product, quantity and open question without reading chat history. After replies arrive, compare each SKU and the total order separately; a low price on one item does not answer whether the supplier can support the rest of the order.

Mon can coordinate a consistent multi-SKU RFQ and comparison brief. The buyer remains responsible for product requirements, commercial approval, import costs and the final supplier decision.

Limits

Supplier-specific pricing, MOQ, timing and product compatibility must be confirmed in current written quotations. This article does not guarantee quotation completeness, product quality, delivery or landed cost.