---
title: "Request for quotation"
description: "What is a request for quotation (RFQ)? A document asking suppliers to price specific items and terms. Learn what a good RFQ includes, with a worked example."
url: https://1flux.ai/glossary/request-for-quotation
last_updated: 2026-10-10
---

[Procurement and inventory](https://1flux.ai/glossary#procurement-and-inventory)

# Request for quotation

What is a request for quotation, and what should a good RFQ ask suppliers for?

Glossary Updated 10 October 2026

Definition

A request for quotation (RFQ) is a document a buyer sends to suppliers asking them to price specific items, quantities and terms.

## What is a request for quotation used for?

Sending the same RFQ to several suppliers makes their offers comparable: same items, same quantities, same delivery point. A good RFQ lists item codes and specifications, quantities and units, and the required delivery date and place, and asks for unit prices, validity, lead time and payment terms. It should say clearly that it isn’t an order.

Example: a contractor sends an RFQ for 2,000 m of cable to four suppliers, asking for prices excluding tax, valid for 30 days, then lines the replies up in a [quote comparison](https://1flux.ai/glossary/quote-comparison).

Customers send RFQs to you too; on the sales side, your reply is a [quotation](https://1flux.ai/glossary/quotation).

In 1flux

Approved requisitions and local purchase requests print as supplier-ready RFQ PDFs with your letterhead and blank price columns, either general or addressed to one supplier with “RFQ sent” tracking. [See requisitions and quote comparison](https://1flux.ai/products/purchasing/requisitions)

Related

## Keep exploring

### [Purchase requisition](https://1flux.ai/glossary/purchase-requisition)

An internal request to buy, approved before a supplier is contacted.

### [Quote comparison](https://1flux.ai/glossary/quote-comparison)

Supplier offers side by side, to choose one and record why.

### [Local purchase request](https://1flux.ai/glossary/local-purchase-request)

A quick request to buy locally that converts straight to an order.

### [Requisitions and quote comparison](https://1flux.ai/products/purchasing/requisitions)

Requisitions with a purpose, RFQ PDFs, recorded quotes and awards with a reason.

Last updated 10 October 2026