Want Perfect Parts? Submit the Perfect RFQ
We want the precision metal fabrications we make for you to be as close to perfection as possible. To achieve this goal, however, we need a detailed RFQ—the easy, online Request for Quote form that initiates your estimating process.
A detailed, accurate RFQ enables Sweeney Metal Fabricators to deliver on all your requirements, from cost to lead time to quality. So let’s take a look at what you should include in your next RFQ. . .
How to Create the Perfect RFQ in 5 Steps
Before you click that handy Get a Quote button at the top right of our website, you’ll want to gather all critical information about your part. Trust us: an initial investment of time will save you tons of it later.
Here’s what our precision metal fabrication shop needs to complete your next job and exceed your expectations:
1. Contact information
This is the easiest step, right? Hold on there, partner—believe it or not, some people don’t correctly fill out their contact information.
Be sure this section includes:
The name of the primary contact for this part. We’re happy to work with you if you’re an owner or an intern—but we do need to know who to talk to if we have questions.
The email address and phone number for the primary contact. If the primary contact never checks their email, provide an email address that someone will check. The same rule applies to the phone number. We’ll use these details to reach out to you, so make sure they’re accurate.
2. Timeline
Our RFQ form asks explicitly for your Requested Delivery Date, but we’d love all the timeline details you can provide.
For example, you may need 20 parts in total, but you need two of them immediately. If we’re aware of this requirement, we can break down your quote to account for an expedited turnaround for two parts and a standard turnaround for the remaining parts.
3. Export control regulations
Please let us know if your part is subject to US Export Controls regulations.
These laws provide national security protections by enabling the US government to oversee exports of controlled technologies. According to the International Trade Administration, there are three primary lists that an export-controlled part may fall under:
Commerce Control List (CCL)
United States Munitions List (USML)
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
You’ll be glad to hear that our online RFQ interface is completely secure and ITAR-compliant.
4. Part files
It’s easy to upload your documentation through our website’s RFQ form. Before doing so, however, take the time to carefully review your prints and drawings.
Do any specs need to be updated?
Are there details missing?
What material(s) do you want us to use?
Have you included hardware callouts?
Will you need finishing, such as paint or powder coating?
Are there any proprietary specifications, such as internal part numbers or paint specs?
Have you included drawings for any relevant subcomponents?
Once you’re confident that your 3D models and prints are accurate and complete, uploading them is a quick, secure, three-click process.
5. Additional details
When it comes to ordering a part, more is more! Whenever possible, we prefer to get more details from you. Here are a few examples of information that can help Sweeney Metal Fabricators create the highest quality part with maximum efficiency:
Minimum and maximum quantities. This detail is beneficial if you have a specific budget in mind because it allows us to provide a range of quotes for you to consider. For example, we can tell you that five parts will cost $XXX, 25 parts will cost $YYY, and 100 parts earn you a quantity discount, meaning they’ll cost $ZZZ. Tell us your minimum and maximum order goals, and we’ll help you choose the correct quantity for your project and budget.
Prototypes. Notify us if your low-volume order is a prototype, and we’ll provide a pricing range to help you plan for future production costs.
Established parts. If you’re ordering an already established part from Sweeney Metal Fabricators for the first time, we’d love to know why. Why are you switching from your previous vendor to our precision metal fabrication shop? What challenges have you faced with this part in the past? What concerns do you have moving forward? Help us understand your needs so we can address them before they become an issue.
Functionality. What is your part’s application? Do we need to consider certain environmental factors, such as extreme temperatures? When we know the purpose of your part, we can make appropriate recommendations.
Visibility. Funny but true: we’ve had customers tell us, “I didn’t need the part to look this good!” This statement may seem silly, but if your part will be hidden deep in an assembly, let us know. We can help you cut costs by forgoing certain finishing processes, for example.
Tip: Put Your Industry Knowledge on Paper
Did you look at all these details and think, “My other manufacturer never asked me for that information”? If so, that probably means they were operating with industry knowledge (or what some call tribal knowledge).
An example of industry knowledge would be a vendor who proactively determined the correct tolerances for your part, even though that information was missing from your documentation. In our opinion, relying on industry knowledge leaves just a little too much up to chance.
We designed our RFQ questions to help you get every detail in writing—including the details that may have previously existed in someone’s head.
The Perks of a Perfect RFQ
When you submit a comprehensive RFQ to our precision metal fabrication shop, you benefit from:
Faster quoting turnaround
Detailed, accurate quotes
Accurate pricing with no future surprises
Improved lead times
100% satisfaction with your final product
Get fast, accurate, cost-efficient parts from Sweeney Metal Fabricators by submitting a thorough RFQ. Remember: when it comes to RFQs, there’s no such thing as too much information. Put in the time to craft a detailed RFQ, and you’ll have your parts in hand in no time.
