Supplement RFQ checklist for US brand buyers

A useful RFQ can begin with unknowns

You do not need a completed formula to start an ODM conversation. Explain what is known, what is still open and what you want the supplier to propose. For an OEM request, identify the specification revision and any restrictions on changes. State that the product is intended for the US and name the sales channel; avoid a broad request for a product that is simply 'globally compliant'.

Copy this brief into your request

• Brand/company and contact: [name, work email, decision owner].
• Market and channel: [United States; intended sales channel and audience].
• Development scope: [ODM concept or OEM specification; revision if available].
• Product: [ingredients or reference, format, serving/pack concept, exclusions].
• Order planning: [estimated quantity, variants, target timing and cost assumptions].
• Documents and approvals: [requested specification, sample plan, testing scope, packaging and label review].
• Open decisions: [questions for feasibility, quotation or specialist review].

Request a quotation with explicit boundaries

Ask for the formula and packaging basis, MOQ units, price validity and delivery term. Separate development, samples, testing, tooling, artwork and freight from recurring product charges. Identify what starts the timing estimate and which approvals or materials it depends on. Ask the supplier to list exclusions and outstanding inputs so an attractive headline price does not hide a different scope.

Assign responsibilities before ordering

Name the contracting parties, proposed facility, testing responsibilities, label approver and finished-batch release authority. For a US import project, identify the FSVP importer, Importer of Record and food-facility US agent separately and obtain qualified review of the arrangements; these are different roles. Do not assume that one party automatically performs all of them.

Use one controlled comparison

Keep the same brief revision for each quotation. Record each supplier's response, assumptions and missing evidence beside the requirement it addresses. Request written clarification before treating an unanswered item as included. You can use the short contact form for an initial question or the project form for a fuller brief; product-reference enquiries retain their original reference identifier for follow-up.