Most first-pass RFQs to contract manufacturers get a "we need more information" reply instead of a number. That is not the manufacturer being difficult — it is the RFQ missing the specific inputs that let an estimator quote firm cost and lead time instead of a placeholder.
Here is the checklist we use internally when reviewing an incoming RFQ, broken down by process. Send this and you will get a real quote in days.
The universal section (every RFQ)
Every RFQ, regardless of process, should include:
- Company name and end product. Not a secret — helps us match materials and process to the actual use case.
- Quantities. Prototype quantity and annual production estimate. Cost changes wildly with volume.
- Target ship date. Not "ASAP" — a real date.
- Delivery location. For freight quoting.
- Certifications required. ISO 9001, AS9100, ITAR, IPC class, UL, medical, RoHS/REACH.
- Budget guardrails. If you have a target price, share it. It saves a round trip.
- NDA status. We sign mutual NDAs — send yours or ask for ours.
Skip these and every quote you get will be padded for unknowns.
PCB (bare board fabrication)
- Gerber files (RS-274X) or ODB++.
- Drill file (Excellon or embedded in ODB++).
- Fab drawing with:
- Stackup (layer count, dielectric, copper weights).
- Material (FR-4 std Tg, high-Tg, Rogers, flex, aluminum).
- Surface finish (HASL, ENIG, immersion silver, OSP).
- Solder mask and silkscreen colors.
- Controlled impedance requirements.
- Minimum trace/space and drill.
- IPC Class (2 or 3) and IPC-6012 revision.
PCBA (assembly)
Everything from the PCB section, plus:
- Bill of Materials (BOM) in Excel or CSV with:
- Reference designator
- Manufacturer name and manufacturer part number (not just distributor SKU)
- Description and value
- Quantity per assembly
- Approved alternates
- Consigned vs turnkey per line
- Centroid / pick-and-place file (XY, rotation, side).
- Assembly drawing with polarized part orientation notes.
- Test requirements — AOI, X-ray for BGA, ICT, flying probe, functional test.
- Special processes — conformal coat, potting, staking, underfill.
- Box build scope if applicable (enclosure, cables, labeling, final test, packaging).
Cable and wire harness
- Wiring diagram or schematic (pinout table works).
- Cable drawing with:
- Wire gauge, conductor count, shielding, jacket.
- Overall length and branch lengths with tolerance.
- Connector part numbers on each end.
- Contact part numbers if not integral.
- Labeling and heat-shrink callouts.
- Test requirements (continuity, hipot).
- IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class if required.
CNC machining
- 3D model (STEP preferred, IGES acceptable).
- 2D drawing with:
- Material (alloy, temper, spec — e.g. 6061-T6 per AMS-QQ-A-250/11).
- Tolerances (default block tolerance plus called-out features).
- Surface finish (Ra) and any critical surfaces.
- Threads (spec and callout, e.g. 1/4-20 UNC-2B).
- Heat treatment.
- Finish (anodize type/class/color, alodine, powder coat, passivate).
- Marking (laser, ink, engraved).
- Inspection requirements (FAI, CMM report, PPAP).
Injection molding
- 3D model of the part.
- Drawing with:
- Resin and grade (e.g. ABS Cycolac MG47, PC/ABS Bayblend T85, glass-filled nylon).
- Color and MFI if specified.
- Cosmetic surfaces and SPI finish (A1, A2, B1, C1, D1).
- Text and logos.
- Tolerances per DIN 16742 or callouts.
- Expected annual volume (drives tool class).
- Preferred tool location (US, Asia).
- Secondary operations (pad print, inserts, ultrasonic weld, assembly).
What "budgetary" vs "firm" means
- Budgetary quote: based on partial info, good to within ~20%. Fast.
- Firm quote: requires complete files and specs. Held for 30–60 days.
Ask for the one you need. Do not ask for a firm quote when your design is not done — you will just get padded numbers.
A template you can steal
Copy this into an email:
Quantities: 100 proto / 5,000 annual Target ship date: [date] Delivery: [city, state] Certifications: ISO 9001, IPC Class 2, RoHS Process: PCBA turnkey, domestic and offshore quotes both requested Files attached: Gerbers, BOM (xlsx), centroid, assembly drawing NDA: signed mutual attached Budget: targeting $X per unit at 5,000/yr
Send it. You will get a real number back.
Or use our RFQ form and it will walk you through the same checklist.