WORKING GUIDES
Give the sourcing team the information that changes the commercial answer.
Commercial pricing is often quantity-, destination- and lead-time-dependent. The guides below separate the information that is useful for a quote from details that can wait until order confirmation.
RFQ PREPARATION
Build a quote-ready request
For the fastest review, send one line per item and keep the manufacturer reference exactly as written on the requirement.
- Manufacturer and exact model, SKU or part number
- Required quantity and unit of measure
- Delivery city, state and ZIP or full destination when freight is needed
- Required-by date or acceptable lead-time window
- Any certification, voltage, finish, size or approved-substitution restriction
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
When the exact part number is incomplete
A photo alone may not identify a commercial product. Add any information available from the nameplate, carton, specification sheet or existing unit.
- Brand and model-family text
- Serial/nameplate photo when relevant
- Dimensions, electrical data, capacity or connection type
- Whether an equivalent is permitted or the exact manufacturer is mandatory
SHIPPING & RECEIVING
Freight depends on the receiving conditions
Large commercial items may move by LTL or another freight service rather than parcel carrier. Receiving details can materially change the transportation quote.
- Commercial or residential destination
- Loading dock or forklift availability
- Liftgate, appointment, inside-delivery or limited-access requirements
- Receiving hours and a site contact when required
- Inspect visible freight condition before acceptance and document damage promptly
PROJECT ORDERS
Keep multi-line requirements consolidated
For project purchasing, one consolidated requirement helps keep quantities, substitutions, freight assumptions and commercial revisions aligned.
- Use line numbers or your internal item references
- Mark exact-only items and approved-equivalent items separately
- Identify phased releases or multiple delivery locations at the start
- Keep revision changes in the same request thread whenever possible
RETURNS & WARRANTY
Product-specific terms control the process
Return eligibility, restocking charges, warranty handling and authorization requirements vary by item and manufacturer.
- Keep packaging, labels and shipment documents until the item is inspected
- Record model, serial number and condition before installation when applicable
- Do not send a product back until return instructions or an RMA are confirmed
- Custom, cut-to-length, special-order or installed products may have restricted return rights
INTERNATIONAL REQUESTS
Destination information is part of the quote
Export availability and transportation options depend on the product, destination and applicable restrictions.
- Provide destination country, city and postal code
- State whether pickup in the United States is acceptable
- Identify any required export documents or customer shipping account
- Duties, taxes, brokerage and destination charges are separate unless a quotation states otherwise
Minimum information for a useful RFQ
- Exact manufacturer + model / part number
- Quantity
- Delivery ZIP or destination
- Required timing
- Exact-only or equivalent-allowed instruction
What Furnibuild confirms before commitment
- Current commercial price
- Availability or estimated lead time
- Freight basis when enough destination data is available
- Product-specific order conditions and material exceptions