Make the quotations comparable before comparing prices
A lower pair price can describe a different yarn, size mix, packaging unit or delivery responsibility. This guide helps a buyer record one specification and ask each supplier to price that same order. It does not estimate your order price or state a universal MOQ.
Choose your product first: Pilates sock development, studio wholesale planning or running sock construction. Then use the worksheet below to make the commercial comparison.
Download the blank RFQ worksheet (TXT)
The plain-text template opens in a text editor. Fill it locally and paste the relevant summary into our inquiry form. This page does not collect or save your worksheet.
Write one line for each order variant
Record design reference, color reference, size label or foot-length range, pairs, unit packaging and delivery location. A total quantity without this split does not establish whether every variant meets the supplier's minimum.
Illustrative allocation, not a factory minimum
For a hypothetical 240-pair brief, 120 pairs of one size plus 120 of another still means two size lines. Adding a second color creates further lines. Ask which minimum applies to the design, yarn color, size or packaging; do not assume that combining lines satisfies it. These numbers are an arithmetic example, not a stock recommendation or an accepted order.
- Keep a revision number on the specification supplied to every bidder.
- State whether quantities are fixed or whether you want a second quotation for another allocation.
- Record unresolved composition, sole artwork or packaging decisions as open, not as approved.
Compare five separate cost blocks
- Sock production: price basis per pair or pack, ordered quantities, composition, construction and artwork revision.
- Development: samples, revisions, setup and any agreed tooling; ask whether fees are credited against a later order and under what conditions.
- Packaging: unit format, printed items, barcode application and carton allocation. Use our packaging specification guide to define the work.
- Evidence and inspection: any separately agreed testing, inspection and documentation costs. A quotation does not establish certification.
- Delivery and payment: named delivery place, agreed trade term and version, freight, insurance where relevant, payment charges and who handles import formalities.
Do not count a cost twice if it is already included in another line. “Delivered” alone does not identify who pays duties or taxes. Ask for explicit inclusions and exclusions, the currency, quotation validity and payment schedule.
Record what is confirmed, excluded or still open
For each cost block, add columns for supplier A, supplier B, included/excluded/open and evidence reference. Compare only offers based on the same specification revision. A blank answer is not a zero charge.
A working comparison is: production amount + separately charged development + packaging + agreed inspection + delivery-related charges. It is not a tax calculation. Import duties, tax treatment and exchange costs require destination-specific advice; do not compare amounts in different currencies without recording your conversion assumption.
Ask again when the basis changes
If a supplier changes yarn, size allocation, packaging or delivery terms, request a revised quote. Save the old and new revisions rather than overwriting the original. Check whether sample approval, material availability or payment is the trigger for the quoted production period.
Send the completed commercial brief
Include the product reference, version, variant quantities, artwork rights, packaging requirements, delivery country and desired arrival date. List open questions and whether this is development, a first bulk order or a reorder. Project MOQ, sample charges and timing remain subject to written confirmation.
Request a specification-based quotation Review production approval stages
To assess supplier evidence rather than commercial line items, use the manufacturer selection guide.