DOC KB-RFQ-015REV 2026-09-21CLASS: PUBLIC
How to Write an RFQ for Custom Protective Cases (Buyer Checklist)
Direct answer
A case RFQ that gets accurate quotes states twelve things: payload dimensions and weight; quantity forecast per year; sealing requirement (IP target); drop/impact target with standard and height; temperature range; shell material preference or openness; interior type (foam layout, panels); branding; compliance documentation needed; delivery terms (Incoterm and port); target launch date; and whether tooling exists or must be built. Missing any of these invites a quote built on assumptions.
§01The checklist
| # | Field | Why it matters to the quote |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Payload dims + weight + fragility | drives size, foam stack, wall thickness |
| 2 | Annual + per-order quantity | decides process (injection vs roto) and MOQ |
| 3 | Ingress protection target | gasket class, valve, test budget |
| 4 | Drop/impact target (standard + height) | shell engineering and validation cost |
| 5 | Temperature / UV exposure | resin compound selection |
| 6 | Material preference or openness | keeps alternates on the table |
| 7 | Interior: foam layout / dividers / panels | CNC programming and unit cost |
| 8 | Branding (process + colors) | setup items and MOQ |
| 9 | Compliance / test documentation | third-party lab vs in-house report |
| 10 | Incoterm + port (e.g. FOB Shenzhen) | logistics scope must be unambiguous |
| 11 | Launch date + milestones | existing mold (~45 d) vs new tooling (~125 d) |
| 12 | Tooling status: existing / new / modified | the single biggest cost and time driver |
§02What to attach
- 3D file (STEP preferred) of the payload, plus a 2D drawing with tolerances on critical interfaces.
- Photos of the environment of use — a case for a survey crew and one for a server rack read differently to an engineer.
- A reference case you like, with notes on what to keep and what to change; this compresses two rounds of back-and-forth into one.
Red flags in supplier replies: quotes without a stated wall thickness, resin grade or foam density are placeholders. Ask each bidder to state those three numbers; the spread between real factories and resellers shows immediately.