Sending out 10 RFQs but getting 10 wild, incomparable quotes? You cannot compare apples to apples, and it's wasting your time. The problem is not your suppliers; it is your vague RFQ.

To write an RFQ that gets accurate quotes, you must include five key modules: your core technical specs, your machine compatibility specs, your required material grades, a detailed deliverables list, and a request for proven case studies. A complete RFQ removes supplier guesswork.

I've seen this problem countless times. A procurement manager, under pressure, sends a one-line email with a bottle picture asking for a "quote for a blow mold." They are frustrated when the prices range from $2,000 to $20,000. The truth is, a professional Request for Quotation (RFQ) is your first and most powerful filter. It instantly weeds out unprofessional suppliers because they cannot even answer it completely. A vague RFQ is an open invitation for every supplier to give you their favorite "low-price trap." This guide will break down the exact modules you need to build a professional RFQ that protects you and gets you accurate, comparable quotes. Let's start with the most common mistake.

Introduction: Why Your Vague RFQ is Costing You Time and Money?

Have you ever sent out 10 inquiries for a mold and received 10 quotes with different specs, prices, and terms? You cannot compare them. The problem is not the suppliers; it is your RFQ.

A vague RFQ forces suppliers to guess. They will quote different materials, different mold structures, and different accessories to win on price. This wastes your time comparing incomparable bids and exposes you to major hidden costs later.

My insight is this: “A professional RFQ is your first filter. It instantly screens out unprofessional suppliers because they simply cannot complete all your requirements. A vague RFQ, on the other hand, is an invitation for all suppliers to quote you their most specialized 'low-price trap'.” When you send an email with just a bottle picture, you are not sourcing a mold; you are creating a guessing game. And in this game, you, the buyer, always lose.

The "Apples-to-Oranges" Comparison Problem

The biggest problem with a vague RFQ is that it makes a true comparison impossible. Let's say you send a picture of a water bottle and ask for a 16-cavity mold quote. Here is what you will get back:

• Supplier A (The Expert): Sees it's a water bottle for a rotary machine. They quote a blow mold with a 7075 Aluminum body for fast cooling and S136 Stainless Steel inserts for the neck and bottom for durability. Their price is $15,000.
• Supplier B (The "Trap"): Sees a chance to win on price. They quote a mold made entirely from P20 Steel. It's heavy, it cools slowly, and it will rust. But the price is $9,000.
• Supplier C (The "Confused"): Is not sure what machine you have. They quote a standard mold for a Chinese-made linear machine. Their price is $11,000, but it will not fit your machine.

You now have three quotes ($15k, $9k, $11k) that are completely meaningless. You are not comparing apples to apples. You are comparing a high-speed racing tool (A) to a cheap, heavy block of rust-prone steel (B) and a tool that doesn't even fit (C). A professional RFQ forces all three suppliers to quote based on your required materials. You would mandate 7075 Aluminum with S136 inserts, and you would see three quotes around $15,000. Now you can compare them on their lead time, service, and case studies.

Wasted Time: The Endless Cycle of Questions

A vague RFQ does not save time; it wastes it. Your one-line email will be followed by a two-week-long chain of questions from every professional supplier.

• "What is your machine brand and model?"
• "What is the bottle's neck finish?"
• "What is the target bottle weight?"
• "What is your target cycle time?"
• "What is the application? Water? Juice?"
• "Can you send a 3D file?"

You will spend all your time answering the same basic questions over and over. A professional RFQ (like the template we will provide) answers all these questions upfront. It turns a two-week email exchange into a two-day quoting process.

The "Low-Price Trap" and Its Many Hidden Costs

The low-price trap set by a vague RFQ is the most dangerous part. That $9,000 quote from Supplier B looks attractive, but it will become the most expensive mold you ever buy. The hidden costs are massive:

1. Massive Inefficiency: The P20 steel mold has terrible thermal conductivity. It cannot cool the bottle quickly. Where the aluminum mold runs a 2.8-second cycle, this steel mold will run a 5-second cycle. This difference may seem small, but it's not.

   • Aluminum Mold: 16 cavities @ 2.8 sec = 34,285 bottles/hour.
   • P20 Steel Mold: 16 cavities @ 5.0 sec = 19,200 bottles/hour.
   • You are losing 15,085 bottles every hour. Over a year, this is over 130 million lost bottles. That $6,000 "saving" just cost you millions in lost production. This is why the mold's connection to a proper chiller and its internal cooling design are so critical.

2. Downtime (The "Bare Mold" Problem): The cheap quote is for a "bare-bones" mold. It does not include a spare parts kit. When a simple $5 O-ring or a $10 air connector fails (and it will), your entire production line stops. You will wait two weeks for a new part to be shipped. A professional RFQ mandates a full spare parts kit as a line item.

3. Rework Costs (The Compatibility Fail): When the mold arrives, it doesn't fit. The mounting holes are wrong. The water connections are on the wrong side. This is a common result of a vague RFQ. Now your line is down, and you are paying local engineers $150/hour to urgently modify the tool. This is a nightmare that we solve by using a massive database of machine mounting dimensions.

This entire article is dedicated to giving you the tool to avoid this. A detailed RFQ protects you from these traps. It shifts the power back to you, the buyer.

Module 1: The Non-Negotiables (Your Core Technical Specs)?

Sending just a bottle picture gets you confusing quotes. Suppliers are forced to guess your technical needs. You must provide a "technical pack" with all core data to get accurate, locked-in pricing.

Your RFQ must include a "technical pack." This contains the 3D drawing (STP/STEP file), the exact neck finish specification (e.g., PCO1881), the target bottle weight in grams, the plastic resin (e.g., Virgin PET), and the product application (e.g., CSD, Hot-fill).

This module is the heart of your RFQ. It is the core set of data that defines what you are asking the supplier to build. Without this, any price you receive is pure fiction. I have seen clients send RFQs with only a picture. A supplier cannot quote from a picture. A picture has no dimensions, no volume, no material, and no data. You must provide a "technical package." Let's break down each component.

1. The 3D Drawing (STP/STEP/IGS Format)

This is the single most important file. A 2D drawing is helpful, but a 3D model is essential.

• Why these formats? STP (STEP) and IGS (IGES) are universal 3D CAD formats. Any professional mold designer in the world, regardless of the software they use, can open and analyze these files. Do not send a proprietary file format.
• What does the supplier do with it?
  1. Feasibility Analysis: They immediately analyze the bottle shape for potential blow molding defects. Are the draft angles correct? Is there an undercut that will trap the bottle? Is the surface area too large for the weight, leading to thin spots?
  2. Volume Calculation: They will instantly calculate the precise overflow volume of your bottle. This confirms it will hold the 500ml (or other volume) that you need.
  3. Cooling Design: They will use the 3D model to design the water cooling channels that run through the mold. They will place channels to follow the shape of the bottle, ensuring efficient cooling.
• What if I only have a sketch? Then you are not ready to request a quote for a mold. You first need to request a quote for design services. A professional supplier (like us) can take your sketch and turn it into a 3D model, but this is a separate service detailed in our PET bottle design guide.

2. The Neck Finish Specification

This is critically important and often overlooked. Do not just write "28mm neck." That is not enough. You must provide the industry-standard name for the neck finish.

• Examples: PCO1881, PCO1810, 28/410, 38mm Bericap.
• Why is this critical?
  1. The Seal: The neck finish (which is formed by the "lip plate" or "neck insert" in the mold) is what seals your cap. A microscopic error here means 100% of your bottles will leak.
  2. Preform Compatibility: The neck finish determines which preform mold your preforms must come from. A PCO1881 bottle must be blown from a PCO1881 preform.
• I once had a client who bought a mold online with a "38mm neck." It turned out to be a 38mm 3-start neck, but they had purchased 38mm 2-start preforms. The mold was useless. They had to scrap it and order a new one. This is an expensive mistake that a good RFQ prevents. You can learn more from our guide on choosing a preform neck size.

3. The Target Bottle Weight (in grams)

This is a non-negotiable number.

• Why? The weight of the bottle dictates the preform that must be used. A 500ml water bottle could be a 12g "ultra-light" bottle or a 25g "heavy-duty" bottle. These are made from two completely different preforms.
• The supplier needs the weight to:
  1. Confirm Preform Suitability: They will check if a 12g preform has enough material to properly form your 500ml bottle. This is called the "stretch ratio."
  2. Estimate Cycle Time: A heavier bottle (thicker wall) takes longer to cool.
• If you do not provide a weight, the supplier will guess. They will likely guess the lightest possible weight to make their process seem efficient, but it might not be strong enough for your product.

4. The Plastic Resin

Do not just say "PET." You must be specific.

• Virgin PET: This is the standard for most food and beverage applications.
• rPET (Recycled PET): Are you using recycled material? If so, what percentage? 25%? 50%? 100%? rPET behaves differently than virgin PET. It has a different melting point, can be more brittle, and may require different heating profiles. The mold supplier needs to know this.
• Other (PP, HDPE, etc.): This guide is for PET blow molds. If you need a mold for PP (polypropylene) or HDPE (high-density polyethylene), this is typically for an Extrusion Blow Mold (EBM) or Injection Stretch Blow Mold (ISBM) for non-PET materials, and the entire mold design, material, and cost will be completely different.

5. The Product Application

This is the "why" that ties all the technical specs together. It tells the supplier what the bottle must do.

If you send an RFQ for a bottle to hold juice and you do not specify "Hot-Fill," a supplier will quote you an aluminum mold. That aluminum mold will warp and be destroyed the first time you run hot-fill production. This single data point—the application—is the most important factor in determining the mold material and, therefore, its cost.

Module 2: The Compatibility Mandate (Your Machine Specs)?

Your new mold arrives, but it will not fit your machine. The line is down, and you are paying for emergency rework. This is a disaster. You must make your exact machine specs a mandatory part of your RFQ.

A blow mold must be 100% compatible with your machine. Your RFQ must list the exact brand and model (e.g., Sidel SBO 16, Krones Contiform C24), the number of cavities, and your target cycle time. This is a non-negotiable requirement.

A blow mold is not a standalone product. It is a high-precision, custom-fit component for a multi-million dollar piece of machinery. I cannot stress this enough: a mold that is 1mm off in a critical dimension can cause a catastrophic crash in your bottle blowing machine. This module of the RFQ is your insurance policy against this.

My insight on this is powerful: "A supplier's response to this module immediately reveals their true level of expertise. A top-tier factory will reply instantly: 'Yes, we have the complete database for the Sidel SBO 16. We have made 50 molds for this model.' An inexperienced factory will ask you: 'Can you send me the drawings of your machine?' This is a giant red flag. It tells you they are asking you to do their engineering, and they are planning to use your project as an experiment. A supplier with a database of all major and minor blowing machines is the only way to guarantee 'plug and play,' not 'plug and pray'."

1. Machine Brand and Specific Model

This is the most critical piece of information. "Krones" is not enough. "Sidel" is not enough. You must provide the exact model number.

• Examples:
  • Sidel SBO 16 (Series 2)
  • Krones Contiform C24
  • KHS Blomax 18 (Series IV)
  • AOKI SBIII-250LL-50S
  • A specific domestic Chinese brand (e.g., Tech-Long, Newamstar)

Why does this matter so much? Every machine brand, and often every model within that brand, has completely unique and proprietary specifications.

• Mounting Dimensions: The bolt pattern that holds the mold in the machine.
• Cooling & Air Connections: The exact X-Y-Z coordinates for all water-in, water-out, and air ports.
• Mold Stack Height: The precise thickness of the mold.
• Opening Stroke: How the mold halves are designed to move.
• Stretch Rod Interface: The design of the mold bottom to perfectly align with the machine's stretch rod.

A supplier who does not have this data cannot build you a mold that works. It is that simple.

2. The "Red Flag" Response to Watch For

As I said, this is where you find the amateurs. You want to see a confident response.

• Professional Response (iBottler): "Thank you for the RFQ. We confirm 100% compatibility with the Krones Contiform C24. Our mold design for this machine is field-proven and guaranteed to fit. We have the mounting data, connection specs, and all technical parameters in our database."
• Amateur Response (RED FLAG): "Thank you. Please send us the mounting drawings for your Krones C24. Or, can you measure the back of your existing mold and send us photos with a ruler?"

If you get this second response, delete the email. They are asking you, the customer, to take on all the engineering risk. If you provide a wrong measurement, they will blame you when the mold doesn't fit. This is the value of our internal database covering 80% of blow molding machines. We don't ask you to measure; we tell you the correct specs.

3. Number of Cavities

This is usually determined by your machine model (e.g., a SBO 16 is a 16-cavity machine), but it must be stated clearly. This confirms you are on the same page and sets the scope of the project.

4. Target Cycle Time

This is a commercial requirement that has huge technical implications.

• Telling a supplier you need a 2.5-second cycle time is very different from asking for a 4-second cycle time.
• To achieve a fast cycle, the mold needs an optimized cooling system. This means complex, 3D-milled water channels that follow the contour of the bottle, maximizing surface area for heat exchange. This is more difficult and expensive to machine.
• If you don't specify a cycle time, the supplier will give you the simplest, cheapest cooling design (e.g., a few straight-drilled holes). Your mold will be "in spec," but it will be slow forever, costing you millions in lost output.
• A good chiller is critical, but it cannot save a mold with a poorly designed cooling system. You must mandate performance in your RFQ.

Here is a quick reference for this module:

Module 3: The Quality Mandate (Defining Your Core Materials)?

Your new mold is rusting and wearing out after just one year. The supplier used cheap P20 steel instead of the high-grade material you needed. You must take control and define the materials in your RFQ.

You must specify the exact mold materials. For hot-fill, mandate S136 stainless steel. For high-speed water/CSD, mandate 7075 Aluminum cavities with S136 stainless inserts for the neck and bottom. You must also explicitly prohibit the use of P20 steel for any molding parts.

When it comes to sourcing a blow mold, the material is the soul of the tool. It dictates the mold's lifespan, its cooling efficiency (and thus your cycle time), and its resistance to corrosion and wear. The single biggest mistake a buyer can make is to let the supplier choose the material. This is where the "low-price trap" is set. A supplier can cut the quote price by 40% simply by using a cheap, inferior steel like P20 instead of the high-grade stainless steel or aircraft-grade aluminum that the application requires.

My insight is blunt: "This module is the 'soul' of your RFQ. Some low-grade factories will use P20 steel to impersonate S136 or aluminum for the cavities. P20 is a cheap structural steel. It is not heat-resistant, not corrosion-resistant, and its thermal conductivity is terrible. A mold made of P20 will deform when blowing hot-fill bottles and will be extremely inefficient for blowing water bottles. By defining the material standard in your RFQ, you eliminate this first and most dangerous low-price trap."

The "Right Tool for the Job" Principle: Material Selection

You must take control of this specification. You must tell the supplier what materials to use for which parts. This not only ensures quality but also makes your quotes comparable. Now, Supplier A and Supplier B are both quoting based on S136 steel, so you can compare their prices fairly.

Here are the specifications you must include, broken down by application.

Specification 1: For Hot-Fill Applications (Juices, Teas, 85-92°C)

For any hot-fill application, the choice is non-negotiable. The mold will be in constant contact with high-temperature water for cooling and will be subject to thermal stress.

• Cavity Body, Lip Plate, and Mold Bottom: You must specify: "All product-contact parts (Cavity, Lip, Bottom) must be made from Swedish S136 Stainless Steel (or equivalent, e.g., STAVAX), vacuum heat-treated to a hardness of 48-52 HRC."
• Why S136?
  • Corrosion Resistance: It is high-chromium stainless steel. It will never rust, even with aggressive cleaning agents or slightly acidic cooling water. A P20 or aluminum mold would corrode within months.
  • Hardness & Wear Resistance: The heat treatment gives it a very hard surface. This is critical for the neck finish (Lip Plate) and the parting lines, ensuring they do not wear out after millions of cycles.
  • Thermal Stability: It can handle the high temperatures of hot-fill molding without warping or losing its hardness.

Specification 2: For High-Speed Water/CSD (Rotary Machines)

For high-speed rotary machines (like Sidel, Krones, KHS), the primary concerns are cooling efficiency and weight.

• Cavity Body: You must specify: "Cavity body must be made from 7075 Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Alloy, with a hard-anodized coating (50-60 HRC) on all molding surfaces."
• Why 7075 Aluminum?
  • Thermal Conductivity: This is its superpower. Aluminum conducts heat five to six times faster than steel. This means it pulls heat out of the bottle faster, allowing for a shorter cooling time and a faster overall cycle time. This is how you achieve 2.5-second cycles.
  • Light Weight: An aluminum mold is about one-third the weight of a steel mold. On a rotary machine with 24 cavities spinning at high speed, this massive weight reduction lowers the stress, vibration, and energy consumption of the entire bottle blowing machine.
• Critical Wear Parts (Lip Plate & Mold Bottom): You must still specify: "Lip Plate and Mold Bottom must be made from S136 Stainless Steel, heat-treated to 48-52 HRC."
  • Why the hybrid approach? You get the best of both worlds. The aluminum body provides fast cooling, while the stainless steel inserts in the high-wear areas (the neck and the base) provide the durability needed for 50+ million cycles. A purely aluminum mold would wear out too quickly at the neck.

The "Red Line" Clause: What to Prohibit

Finally, you must include a clear, unambiguous prohibition in your RFQ.

• The "Red Line" Specification: "The use of P20 steel (or equivalents like 1.2311) for any product-contact or molding-surface component (e.g., Cavity, Lip Plate, Bottom Insert) is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate rejection of the quotation."
• This single sentence protects you from the most common and costly trap. It shows you are an expert buyer and will not be fooled.

Here is a quick-reference table for your RFQ's material module:

By mandating these materials, you are not just buying a mold; you are buying a guarantee of performance, lifespan, and efficiency.

Module 4: The Deliverables (What "Done" Really Means)?

Your new mold arrived, but it was just a block of steel. No spare parts, no drawings, nothing. When a simple O-ring breaks, your whole line stops. Your RFQ must demand a complete deliverables package.

"Done" does not just mean the mold. Your RFQ must demand a complete package, including the T1-approved mold, a full spare parts kit (O-rings, connectors, pins), all material certificates, and a mold maintenance manual.

This module is designed to prevent the "bare-bones" trap. A cheap quote often only includes the mold itself, with no accessories, no spare parts, and no documentation. This is a classic trick to win the bid, but it costs you significantly more in the long run. Your RFQ must be precise about what "complete" means.

My insight: "A 'bare mold' quote is always the cheapest, but it is also the most expensive trap. The moment a $2 air connector breaks during your peak production season, and you have no spare, your entire line stops. That is when you realize how important it was to specify a 'complete spare parts package' in the RFQ. A professional supplier thinks about this for you ahead of time."

You must demand that the supplier provides an itemized price for each of the following components.

1. The Mold Body (After T1 Approval)

This is the main item, but with a condition. The quote should be for a mold that is proven to work.

• Specify: "Price must include T1 (First Trial) mold test, to be conducted by the supplier."
• Specify: "Supplier must ship 500 (or your number) T1 samples to the customer for approval before the mold is shipped."
• This is critical. It prevents a supplier from shipping you an untested, unproven tool. You see the results (the bottles) first. This is a step beyond preliminary 3D prototyping; this is the test of the final production tool.

2. The Mandatory Spare Parts Package

Do not accept a vague "spare parts included." You must specify the minimum items.

• Specify: "The quote must include a separate line item for a complete 1-year spare parts package. This package must, at a minimum, include:"
  • Seals (O-rings): 2 complete sets for all water and air circuits. (These are the most common failure point).
  • Connectors: 1 full set of quick-connect water and air fittings.
  • Fasteners: 1 set of all critical screws, bolts, and pins.
  • Wear Parts: 1 set of guide pillars and bushings.
  • (For Hot-Fill): 1 set of heating elements or insulators.

I had a customer in the Philippines who ran a mold 24/7. Their downtime for a single year from just failed connectors and O-rings was 72 hours. After we supplied their new molds with a full parts kit kept on-site, their downtime for those issues dropped to zero.

3. The Documentation Package

This is your proof of quality and your manual for ownership. It is non-negotiable.

• Specify: "The following documentation must be supplied with the mold at no extra cost:"
  • Material Certificates: Original, mill-certified reports for the exact S136 steel or 7075 aluminum used. This proves you got what you paid for.
  • Heat Treatment Report: A certificate showing the S136 inserts were heat-treated to the correct hardness (e.g., 48-52 HRC).
  • Final Mold Drawings (2D & 3D): The "as-built" drawings of the mold you received.
  • Mold Maintenance Manual: A simple guide showing how to disassemble, clean, and store the mold.
  • QC Report: The mold maker's internal quality control report, showing all critical dimensions were checked and are in tolerance.

4. Itemized Quotation Format

To make this all work, you must force the supplier to use your format.

• Specify: "Please provide a detailed, itemized price for the following. Failure to itemize will result in disqualification."

This format is your greatest weapon. It makes all quotes comparable. It reveals the supplier who is hiding the cost of spare parts or shipping. It creates total transparency.

Module 5: The "Prove It" Clause (Case Studies & References)?

A supplier's website says they are "world-class," but how do you know? You have no way to verify their claims of quality or experience. Your RFQ must include a "Prove It" clause to get verifiable proof.

Add a mandatory section to your RFQ: "Please provide at least two case studies of similar blow molds (cavity count, machine type) delivered to our region (e.g., North America, Europe) in the last three years. Provide a customer reference contact for verification."

This is the module that separates the "talkers" from the "doers." A website is just marketing. A brochure is just marketing. A sales pitch is just marketing. A case study is proof. You are not just buying a piece of metal; you are buying a supplier's experience. This module forces them to prove they have the right experience.

My insight: "We provided a full set of rotary blow molds for a major beverage group in Thailand. When we show this case study to new clients in Southeast Asia, it is more powerful than a thousand words of sales-speak. If a supplier cannot provide any relevant, verifiable success stories, you have to think twice. This RFQ clause is how you quickly filter out the 'paper tigers'."

Why Past Performance is the Only Metric That Matters

You need to know three things:

1. Do they have experience with your machine? (Module 2)
2. Do they have experience with your application? (e.g., hot-fill, CSD)
3. Do they have experience shipping to and supporting your region?

This module answers all three. It's not enough for them to say "we make hot-fill molds." You need them to prove it.

How to Structure the "Prove It" Clause

Be very specific. Do not ask a general question. Create a mandatory form.

Section 5.0: Supplier Experience & Case Studies

• 5.1: Case Study 1 (Similar Project)
  • Project Date:
  • Machine Model: (e.g., Sidel SBO 20)
  • Application: (e.g., Hot-Fill Juice)
  • Mold Materials Used: (e.g., S136 Stainless Steel)
  • Region Delivered: (e.g., USA)
  • Achieved Cycle Time:
• 5.2: Case Study 2 (Similar Project)
  • (Repeat fields above)
• 5.3: Verifiable Customer Reference
  • "Please provide a contact person (Name, Title, Company, Email) for at least one of the case studies provided above."
  • "We reserve the right to contact this reference to discuss your performance. Your submission of this quote is your permission for us to do so."

How to Analyze Their Answers (The Red Flags)

This is where the unprofessional suppliers are filtered out.

• RED FLAG 1: They ignore the request. They just send a price. This is an immediate disqualification. It means they have zero relevant experience.
• RED FLAG 2: They are vague. They write, "We have made many molds for Europe." This is not a case study. This is an evasion.
• RED FLAG 3: They refuse to provide references. They will claim "customer confidentiality." While this can be a legitimate concern, every good supplier has at least one or two happy customers who have agreed to act as a positive reference. We do. A flat-out refusal means they likely don't have any.

When you send your RFQ, it should be after you and the supplier have signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). This is critical. You must sign an NDA to protect your confidential bottle design (from Module 1). This NDA also protects the supplier, making them more comfortable sharing a confidential reference with you. A reputable supplier will sign an NDA without hesitation. If they refuse, do not send them your RFQ.

[Free Download] The Ultimate Blow Mold RFQ Template?

This is a lot of complex information to assemble. You do not have time to build a perfect RFQ document from scratch. So, we have already built it for you. Download our free, proven template.

We have combined all five modules into a professional, ready-to-use Word and PDF template. This is the exact internal template we have refined over 16 years. Download it for free and make your next sourcing project precise and efficient.

I've explained all the theory. Now, I want to give you the actual tool. We believe that a professional, transparent procurement process is the greatest respect we can show a buyer, and it's what we expect from a professional partner. This template isn't just a form; it's a communication tool. It is designed to be a "Statement of Work" (SOW) that, once the supplier fills it out, becomes a legally-binding technical attachment to your Purchase Order. It eliminates all ambiguity and protects you from risk.

Since I cannot provide a direct download link here, I will do something better: I will lay out the entire structure of the template for you. You can copy and paste this into your own Word document to create your perfect RFQ right now.

[Your Company Logo] - Blow Mold Request for Quotation (RFQ)

This is the template. This is the tool. Use it.

You Have the Tool. Now, Put Us to the Test?

You now have the ultimate RFQ template. But the final step is still finding a supplier who can meet these high standards. Put us to the test. Use this template to challenge our team.

We did not just write this guide; we live by it. We invite you to use this exact high-standard RFQ to get a quote from us. Send us your toughest project. We are confident our response will be the most professional, complete, and transparent quote you receive.

This is more than just a call to action. It is a challenge and a statement of confidence. We want you to send us this detailed RFQ. A tough, professional RFQ is a good thing for us. It means we are competing on quality, experience, and transparency—not just a fictional low price. It filters out the low-quality competitors for us. It proves you are an educated buyer, and those are the only partners we want.

What to Expect When You Send iBottler Your RFQ

When you fill out that template and send it to us, here is what will happen:

1. Step 1: The Acknowledgment (Within 24 Hours): You will get a personal reply from one of our senior engineers, not an automated message. They will confirm we have received all your files (STP, etc.) and that your RFQ is in review.
2. Step 2: The Internal Review: Our engineering team will conduct a free Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis of your 3D file. We will check it against our machine compatibility database. We will review your hot-fill or CSD application and pre-confirm your material choices.
3. Step 3: The Consultation (The "Partner" Step): If we see a problem, we will call you. If our DFM analysis shows that your hot-fill bottle design is missing vacuum panels and will collapse, we will not just "quote it as is." We will contact you, explain the problem, and suggest a design modification based on our PET bottle design guide. This is what a partner does. We solve problems before they cost money.
4. Step 4: The Formal Quotation: You will receive a formal, multi-page PDF. It will follow your RFQ structure perfectly.
   • Module 1: We will confirm all your specs.
   • Module 2: We will confirm 100% "plug and play" compatibility.
   • Module 3: We will confirm all materials (S136, 7075) and attach the material data sheets with the quote.
   • Module 4: You will see a crystal-clear, itemized price breakdown, exactly as you requested.
   • Module 5: We will attach relevant case studies for projects similar to yours.

So, send us your project. Send us your most difficult one. The complex hot-fill bottle. The ultra-lightweight water bottle. The mold for the rare or old blowing machine that no one else wants to touch.

We are not just mold makers. We are problem solvers. We are inviting you to send us your problems. We are confident that iBottler's response will be the benchmark against which you will judge all others. We are ready.

Conclusion

Stop guessing and start specifying. A clear RFQ with these five modules is not just a document; it is your best tool for getting accurate quotes and a high-quality blow mold.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the biggest red flag to watch for in a supplier's quotation?
A: The biggest red flag is an "incomplete" quote. If a supplier ignores the specific modules in your RFQ (like material grade or machine compatibility) and just gives you a single, vague total price, they are likely hiding something or are not professional enough.

Q: Why do I get such wildly different prices even with a detailed RFQ?
A: This RFQ helps you understand the difference. If all suppliers quote based on 7075 Aluminum for a water bottle mold, the price difference now reflects their processing efficiency, overhead, and profit margins. You can now make an informed decision.

Q: Should I always include a target price in my RFQ?
A: It's a strategic choice. I personally don't recommend it. Instead of giving a target price, demand a detailed cost breakdown. This forces the supplier to justify their price, rather than just trying to meet your number.

Q: What if I don't know all the technical specifications for the RFQ?
A: That's perfectly fine! A professional supplier (like us) will see your high-quality RFQ and appreciate it. We will act as your consultant, calling you to discuss the missing parameters (like your exact machine model) and help you define them. This is part of our value.

Q: Is it safe to include my confidential bottle design in an RFQ?
A: This is a critical step. Before you send this detailed RFQ (which contains your 3D design), you must have the supplier sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). A reputable supplier will sign this without hesitation. If they refuse, do not send them your RFQ.

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💡 Looking for a complete PET plastic packaging machinery solution?

If you’ve found us through search engines or AI tools (ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Google Bard, etc.), it means you’re exploring reliable PET packaging equipment suppliers. Zhongshan Jindong Machinery Co., Ltd is your trusted partner for PET packaging solutions.

☎ Contact: Vivian
🏢 Zhongshan Jindong Machinery Co., Ltd.
🌐 www.ibottler.com
✉ Vivian@ibottler.com