Cookware RFQ Checklist

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Use this checklist before sending a request for quotation to cookware suppliers. A clear RFQ helps suppliers quote against the same assumptions, reduces back-and-forth, and makes supplier comparison more reliable.

[!TIP] Download Editable Excel Template: You can download a professionally styled Excel spreadsheet version of this checklist to fill out and send directly to your suppliers: 📥 Download Tri-ply Cookware RFQ Template (.xlsx)

Technical & Commercial Context: Sourcing Best Practices

To secure accurate quotes and protect your brand’s intellectual property, ensure your RFQ incorporates the following industry standards:

1. Intellectual Property Protection (NDA)

Prior to sharing custom 3D drawings, CAD files, or brand-specific design briefs with suppliers, obtain a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) or Product Development Agreement.
Sourcing tip: Specify that all custom tooling, molds, and designs remain the exclusive property of the buyer.

2. Packaging Transit Standards (Drop Testing)

Cookware shipments—especially those featuring glass lids or non-stick coatings—are highly susceptible to transit damage.

ISTA 3A (Parcel Delivery): Mandatory for e-commerce or parcel shipping (e.g., UPS, FedEx, Amazon). Simulates drops, vibrations, and compression.
ISTA 1A / 2A (Basic Screening): Standard drop test on corners, edges, and faces for palletized retail distribution.
Amazon FFP / SIOC: Frustration-Free Packaging / Ships in Own Container testing if selling directly on Amazon.

3. Commercial Terms & Tooling Amortization

Incoterms: Standardize on FOB Jiangmen or FOB Shenzhen for Chinese cookware exports.
Payment Structure: Standard industry payment terms are 30% T/T deposit, 70% balance paid after third-party QC inspection approval and before loading/BL release.
Tooling/Mold Costs: If new molds are required (e.g., for custom handles, helper handles, or unique lid designs), request a separate tooling quote. Ask for the tooling fee refund threshold (e.g., the supplier refunds 100% of the mold fee once cumulative orders reach 5,000 or 10,000 units of that SKU).

1. Buyer and Project Context

Field	Details / Requirement
Company Name	`[e.g., Sourcing Solutions Ltd]`
Buyer Sourcing Profile	`[e.g., Private Label Brand / Wholesale Distributor]`
Destination Market	`[e.g., Germany (LFGB) / United States (FDA)]`
Sales Channel	`[e.g., E-commerce (Amazon) / Specialty Retail]`
Project Sourcing Type	`[ ] New Custom OEM/ODM` `[ ] Private Labeling of Existing Model` `[ ] Re-sourcing`
Target Launch Date	`[e.g., Q4 2026]`
NDA Signed Date	`[e.g., June 10, 2026]` (Must sign before sending drawings)

2. Product Assortment and Structure

SKU	Cookware Category	Dimensions (Diameter x Height)	Material Structure (e.g., Tri-Ply 2.5mm)	Core Thickness	Lid & Handle Type
1	`[e.g., Frypan]`	`[e.g., 24 cm x 5.0 cm]`	`[e.g., Tri-ply 2.5 mm]`	`[e.g., 1.5 mm Aluminum]`	`[e.g., Long cast SS handle, no lid]`
2	`[e.g., Casserole]`	`[e.g., 20 cm x 10.0 cm]`	`[e.g., Tri-ply 2.5 mm]`	`[e.g., 1.5 mm Aluminum]`	`[e.g., Loop side handles, Glass lid]`
3	`[e.g., Saucepan]`	`[e.g., 16 cm x 8.0 cm]`	`[e.g., Tri-ply 2.5 mm]`	`[e.g., 1.5 mm Aluminum]`	`[e.g., Long handle + helper, Glass lid]`
4	`[e.g., Stockpot]`	`[e.g., 24 cm x 14.0 cm]`	`[e.g., Tri-ply 2.5 mm]`	`[e.g., 1.5 mm Aluminum]`	`[e.g., Loop side handles, SS lid]`

3. Technical Specifications

Component / Feature	Sourcing Requirement	Target / Reference Standards
Material Cladding	`[ ] Tri-ply (SS304 + Alu + SS430)` `[ ] 5-Ply Clad`	Core: Pure Aluminum
Target Total Thickness	`[ ] 2.0 mm` `[ ] 2.3 mm` `[ ] 2.5 mm` `[ ] 3.0 mm`	Tolerance: $\pm 0.1\text{ mm}$
Inner Surface Finish	`[e.g., Satin Brushed finish]`	Food-contact safe, no oil residue
Exterior Surface Finish	`[e.g., High Mirror Polish]`	Corrosion resistant
Rim Finish	`[ ] Sealed Closed Rim` `[ ] Exposed Cut Rim`	Closed Rim preferred for dishwashers
Base Compatibility	`[ ] Gas` `[ ] Electric` `[ ] Ceramic` `[ ] Induction`	Must pass magnet compatibility check
Stamping / Logo	`[e.g., Stamped logo center bottom]`	Location: Center of bottom

4. Fittings (Handles, Lids & Knobs)

Component	Sourcing Requirement	Target / Reference Standards
Lid Material	`[ ] Tempered Glass (Flat / Dome)` `[ ] Stainless Steel`	Glass thickness: min 4.0 mm
Lid Knob	`[e.g., Cast Stainless Steel knob with stay-cool design]`	Secure attachment, no heat conduction
Long Handle	`[e.g., Hollow stainless steel long handle with hanging hole]`	Ergonomic grip, hanging hole
Side / Helper Handles	`[e.g., Cast Stainless Steel loop handles for casserole]`	Recommended for casseroles $> 24\text{ cm}$
Attachment Method	`[ ] Riveted (Stainless Steel Rivets)` `[ ] Welded (Smooth Interior)`	Pull-test strength: $\ge 100\text{ kg}$

5. Packaging and Transit Requirements

Field	Packaging Specification	Testing / Standard
Primary Packaging	`[e.g., Retail color gift box, 3ply cardboard]`	Box thickness: e.g., 350g grey board / E-flute
Outer Shipping Carton	`[e.g., Double-wall corrugated shipping master carton]`	Must withstand humidity during sea freight
Barcodes & Labeling	`[e.g., UPC barcode printed on box / Shipping labels on carton]`	Position: Bottom right corner
Transit Testing Standard	`[e.g., ISTA 3A (Parcel drop test)]`	Specify drop heights based on package weight
Instruction Manual	`[e.g., 4-page printed booklet in English & German]`	Languages: English / German / French

Field	Buyer Requirement	Verification Document
Market Certification	`[ ] FDA Food Contact` `[ ] LFGB German Compliance`	Third-party accredited lab report
Factory Social Audit	`[ ] amfori BSCI` `[ ] Sedex SMETA` `[ ] ISO 9001`	Valid audit report (Grade C or above)
Material Traceability	`[e.g., Steel Mill Test Certificate (MTC) required]`	Batch chemistry trace (Cr, Ni, C)

7. Commercial & Quotation Breakdown

Ask the supplier to provide quotes divided into the following categories:

Sourcing Item	Unit Price (USD)	MOQ Required	Tooling / Mold Cost (if any)	Production Lead Time
SKU 1 (Frypan)	`[e.g., Target: $12.00]`	`[e.g., 500 units]`	`[e.g., $1,500 (handle mold)]`	`[e.g., 45 days]`
SKU 2 (Casserole)	`[e.g., Target: $16.50]`	`[e.g., 500 units]`	`[e.g., $0 (existing mold)]`	`[e.g., 45 days]`
SKU 3 (Saucepan)	`[e.g., Target: $11.80]`	`[e.g., 500 units]`	`[e.g., $0 (existing mold)]`	`[e.g., 45 days]`
SKU 4 (Stockpot)	`[e.g., Target: $21.00]`	`[e.g., 500 units]`	`[e.g., $0 (existing mold)]`	`[e.g., 45 days]`
Sample Fee	`[e.g., USD $50 per set]`	`[e.g., N/A]`	Refundable on bulk order? `[e.g., Yes]`	Sample Lead Time: `[e.g., 10 days]`

Preferred Incoterm: [e.g., FOB Jiangmen / FOB Shenzhen]
Preferred Payment Terms: [e.g., 30% deposit, 70% balance paid after QC inspection pass]
Tooling Cost Refund Clause: Supplier to refund 100% of mold fees once buyer orders a cumulative total of [e.g., 5,000 units] per SKU.
Validity of Quote: [e.g., Minimum 60 days from submission]

8. Questions for Supplier Response

Can you produce this product exactly to the requested material cladding, thickness, and rim finish?
Do you have existing molds for the handles and lids shown, or will this project require new tooling?
What is your standard production lead time for a first order versus repeat orders?
Can you provide a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) for the stainless steel coils to verify chemical composition (Cr/Ni content)?
Which accredited laboratory do you normally use for food-contact compliance tests?
What AQL defect limits does your factory internal QC team use during final inspection?

9. Internal Buyer Notes (Decision matrix)

Supplier Strength / Capability: [e.g., Factory has strong tri-ply cladding line and BSCI B-grade]
Sourcing Risks identified: [e.g., Lead times might stretch during peak season before Chinese New Year]
Target vs Sourced Price Variance: [e.g., Quotes are within +5% of target price]
Next Sourcing Action: [e.g., Request samples for SKU 1 and SKU 2]