Working with factories / Buyer guides
How do I write an RFQ for a clothing factory?
List each style with its quantity per colour and size range, the fabric composition and weight (GSM), trims, labels and packaging, plus your design files, target unit price, Incoterm and delivery country. The more of this you fix up front, the more accurate and comparable your quotes will be.
Last updated: October 2026 · Guide by Innovtex
Copy paste RFQ template
Subject: RFQ - [Brand name] - [Product category] Brand: Website or Instagram: Product category: Number of styles: Quantity per style: Quantity per colour: Size range: Fabric composition and weight (GSM): Trims (zips, buttons, drawcords, elastics): Design files (sketch, tech pack, AI render or photo): Labels and packaging: Target unit price: Incoterm (FOB or DDP): Delivery country: Target delivery date: Certifications required: Thanks, [Name]
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1. Define each style
Give every style a name or code and attach its design file. A tech pack is ideal; a sketch, photo or AI render is acceptable for a first estimate. Say which details are fixed and which are open to factory suggestions.
2. Give quantities per style, colour and size
Factories price by run length per style and per colour, because each colour needs its own fabric dye lot. Write the split, for example per colour and the size ratio, rather than one total.
3. Specify fabric and trims
State composition (for example 100% cotton) and weight in GSM, plus any finish such as brushed or garment dyed. List trims: zips, buttons, drawcords, elastics, prints and embroidery, with placement.
4. Labels, packaging and certifications
Say whether you need woven or printed labels, care labels, hang tags, polybags or boxes. Name any certification you require, such as GOTS, GRS or OEKO TEX, so it can be priced in.
5. Price, Incoterm and delivery
Give a target unit price, the Incoterm you want and the delivery country and date. A target price is not a commitment; it helps the factory suggest materials that fit your budget.
FOB or DDP: who pays for what
FOB (Free On Board) means the factory price covers the goods loaded at the port of export. From that point you arrange and pay for freight, insurance, import duties, taxes and customs clearance, usually through your own freight forwarder.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the quoted price includes delivery to your door with duties paid and customs cleared. You pay one figure and receive the goods. Always state which Incoterm you want, otherwise two quotes cannot be compared fairly.
Why sample costs are separate from the bulk price
Development and samples cost money because the factory makes patterns, sources small quantities of material and sews or assembles pieces one at a time. That work is billed separately from bulk production and is not deducted from the bulk order.
A unit price quoted before sampling is an estimate. The final unit price is only fixed once the final sample locks the specification: materials, components, measurements, labels and packaging. Any change after that can change the price.
RFQ checklist
Use this table to check your RFQ before you send it.
| What to include | Why the factory needs it |
|---|---|
| Quantity per style and colour | Sets the run length that drives fabric minimums and unit price |
| Size range | Determines grading work and fabric consumption |
| Fabric composition and GSM | The largest single cost driver; vague fabric means vague prices |
| Trims | Components are sourced and costed separately |
| Design files | Shows construction complexity and labour time |
| Labels and packaging | Adds material and handling cost |
| Incoterm | Defines whether freight and duties are included |
| Delivery country and date | Affects shipping method and production scheduling |
| Certifications | Restricts which materials and suppliers can be used |
Common mistakes that delay quotes
Sending only a total quantity without per style and per colour splits. Writing "cotton" instead of a composition and GSM. Omitting the Incoterm, so prices cannot be compared. Sending dozens of unsorted images instead of one chosen design per style. Asking for a final price before any sample exists.
Questions before you choose
What should a clothing RFQ include?
Brand, category, number of styles, quantity per style and colour, size range, fabric composition and GSM, trims, design files, labels and packaging, target price, Incoterm, delivery country, target date and certifications.
What is GSM?
Grams per square metre, the weight of a fabric. It affects feel, durability and cost, so it should be specified in every RFQ.
Should I give a target price?
Yes. It lets the factory propose fabrics and constructions that fit your budget instead of quoting blind.
Why is my quote only an estimate?
The unit price is finalised once the final sample locks the specification. Before then, materials and construction may still change.
Are sample costs deducted from bulk?
No. Development and samples are paid separately and are not credited against the bulk order.
What is the Innovtex minimum order?
MOQs start at 50 to 100 units per style depending on category and fabric.
Send your RFQ to Innovtex
Email your brief to sales@innovtex.com or book a call. Innovtex manufactures in China, Spain, Vietnam and Honduras and handles sampling, bulk production, quality control and delivery. MOQs start at 50 to 100 units depending on category and material.
Related manufacturing: Clothing Samples and Prototypes · Low MOQ Clothing Manufacturer