When sourcing shower door hardware from China, the quality of the quotation often depends on the quality of the RFQ.
A short message such as:
“Please quote your best price for shower hinges.”
may receive a fast reply, but it rarely produces a quotation that buyers can compare with confidence.
The supplier still has to guess important details such as material, finish, glass thickness, quantity, packaging, testing, and delivery terms. Different suppliers may make different assumptions, so two prices may look comparable even when the products are not.
A well-prepared RFQ reduces those assumptions.
It helps manufacturers understand the exact requirement, shortens repeated communication, improves quotation accuracy, and makes supplier comparison much easier.
This guide explains what international buyers should include in a shower door hardware RFQ, how to structure the request, and how to compare quotations before moving to samples or bulk production.
If you are still deciding which factory to contact, review our shower door hardware supplier evaluation checklist before sending your RFQ.
Quick Answer: What Should a Shower Door Hardware RFQ Include?
A practical RFQ should normally include:
- Product type or model
- Application and installation method
- Material
- Dimensions and glass thickness
- Surface finish
- Required quantity
- Drawings, photos, or reference samples
- OEM or private-label requirements
- Packaging requirements
- Quality and inspection requirements
- Sample requirements
- Target lead time
- Incoterm and destination
- Quotation validity and payment terms
The clearer these items are, the less room there is for suppliers to make different assumptions.
1. Start With a Clear Product List
Tell the supplier exactly what you want quoted.
Avoid broad descriptions such as:
“Bathroom hardware”
or:
“Shower fittings”
Instead, list each product separately.
| Item | Product | Reference | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wall-to-glass shower hinge | Drawing H-01 | 1,000 pcs |
| 2 | 90° glass clamp | Drawing C-02 | 1,500 pcs |
| 3 | Back-to-back shower door handle | Photo HD-03 | 800 pairs |
| 4 | Support bar connector | Drawing CN-04 | 600 pcs |
This makes it easier for the supplier to quote each item individually and reduces the chance that accessories or components are overlooked.
You can review different product categories including:
For multi-product projects, a structured item list is especially important because different products may require different materials, finishes, machining processes, and packaging.
2. Explain the Application, Not Only the Product Name
A product name alone may not be enough to select the correct hardware.
For shower door hinges, buyers should normally define:
- Wall-to-glass or glass-to-glass installation
- Opening angle
- Glass thickness
- Door dimensions
- Approximate door weight
- Residential, hotel, or commercial use
- Opening direction
- Self-closing or free-swing function, if required
For glass clamps, useful information may include:
- Wall-to-glass, floor-to-glass, or glass-to-glass installation
- Glass thickness
- Mounting surface
- Hole or cut-out requirements
- Clamp angle
- Fixed-panel configuration
A supplier cannot accurately evaluate suitability if the real application is unknown.
If you are still selecting hinge types for a frameless shower project, see our guide to choosing shower door hinges.
3. Specify the Material Clearly
Material is one of the main reasons why two quotations can differ.
Common shower hardware materials include:
- Solid brass
- SUS304 stainless steel
- SUS316 stainless steel for selected applications
- Zinc alloy
- Aluminum
Avoid descriptions such as:
“High-quality metal”
or simply:
“Stainless”
Instead, specify the required material grade or acceptable alternatives when possible.
For example:
Main body: solid brass
Screws: stainless steel
Gaskets: suitable for 10 mm tempered glass
If you are open to alternatives, ask for separate options:
Please quote Option A in solid brass and Option B in SUS304 stainless steel.
This allows you to compare cost differences without forcing the supplier to guess what material you expect.
4. Define Dimensions and Glass Compatibility
Dimensional information is essential for hardware that interfaces with glass.
Your RFQ should include, where relevant:
- Overall dimensions
- Hole spacing
- Hole diameter
- Glass cut-out dimensions
- Glass thickness
- Tube diameter
- Thread size
- Critical tolerances
If you already have a technical drawing, attach it.
A drawing is normally more reliable than a long email description.
For custom parts, identify the dimensions that are critical to installation instead of assigning unnecessarily tight tolerances to every feature.
If the supplier needs to propose a tolerance, ask them to state it in the quotation or technical review.
5. Define the Surface Finish Precisely
“Black,” “gold,” and “brushed nickel” can mean different things to different suppliers.
A useful RFQ should define the finish as precisely as possible.
Include information such as:
- Finish name
- Finish code, if available
- Gloss level
- Brushed or polished direction
- Approved color sample
- Reference product
- Whether several hardware categories must visually match
For example:
Finish: matte black
Requirement: shower hinges, clamps, and handles must visually match within the same collection.
Mass production is subject to approval of the finish sample.
For private-label collections, finish consistency may be more important than a small unit-price difference.
If exact color matching is critical, request a physical finish sample before approving mass production.
6. Give Realistic Quantity Information
Quantity affects more than unit price.
It can influence:
- Material purchasing
- Production scheduling
- Surface-treatment batch size
- Packaging method
- MOQ
- Freight efficiency
Provide the quantity you realistically expect to purchase.
If you want to understand volume pricing, request several tiers.
| Quantity | Requested Price |
|---|---|
| 300 pcs | Unit price |
| 1,000 pcs | Unit price |
| 3,000 pcs | Unit price |
For a new product, you can also separate:
- Sample quantity
- Trial order quantity
- Expected regular order quantity
Avoid presenting an unrealistic annual volume only to obtain a lower quotation.
A useful RFQ should support a realistic commercial plan for both buyer and supplier.
7. Attach Drawings, Photos, or Reference Samples
Visual references reduce misunderstanding.
Depending on the project, attach:
- 2D drawings
- 3D files
- Installation sketches
- Product photos
- Existing samples
- Finish references
- Packaging artwork
A photo may show appearance but not tolerances.
A drawing may show dimensions but not color or texture.
For OEM development, using both is often helpful.
Use clear file names such as:
- Hinge-H01-RevA.pdf
- Clamp-C02-Drawing.pdf
- Matte-Black-Finish-Reference.jpg
- Packaging-Box-Rev2.pdf
Revision control also matters.
If a drawing changes, make sure the supplier knows which version is approved.
8. State OEM and Private-Label Requirements Early
Do not wait until after receiving the quotation to mention custom branding.
OEM requirements may affect:
- Tooling
- Laser marking
- Engraving
- Product geometry
- Packaging
- Labels
- Carton printing
- MOQ
- Lead time
Your RFQ should state whether you need:
- Custom logo
- Private-label box
- Barcode
- Product label
- Instruction sheet
- Custom carton marks
- Market-specific packaging
For information about MAXIMA’s manufacturing background and customization capabilities, visit About MAXIMA Hardware.
For a new branded product, ask the supplier to separate one-time setup or tooling charges from the regular unit price.
This makes future price comparison easier.
9. Define Packaging Before Comparing Prices
Packaging can create meaningful cost differences.
A bulk-packed quotation should not be compared directly with a quotation that includes:
- Individual boxes
- Foam protection
- Printed labels
- Screws and gaskets packed separately
- Retail-ready packaging
- Export cartons
- Palletization
For each product, specify:
- Units per inner box
- Units per master carton
- Protective material
- Label requirements
- Barcode requirements
- Carton marks
- Pallet requirement, if any
If you do not yet know the packaging format, ask the supplier to quote its standard export packaging and describe it clearly.
This prevents a common problem: discovering after price approval that the required packaging was not included.
10. Include Quality and Inspection Requirements
Avoid vague phrases such as:
“Best quality required.”
Define what needs to be checked.
Depending on the product and project, the RFQ may include:
- Material verification
- Dimensional inspection
- Finish inspection
- Functional testing
- Opening and closing tests for hinges
- Corrosion-resistance requirements
- Load or performance requirements
- Packaging inspection
- Pre-shipment inspection
- Inspection report requirements
For customized products, identify the approved drawing, sample, and finish reference that will be used for mass production.
A useful statement is:
Mass production must conform to the approved drawing, approved finish sample, and agreed inspection requirements.
The goal is not to make the RFQ complicated.
The goal is to make quality expectations measurable.
11. Ask for Sample Information
Samples are especially useful for:
- New suppliers
- New products
- New finishes
- OEM projects
- Private-label collections
Ask the supplier to state:
- Sample price
- Sample lead time
- Courier cost
- Available finishes
- Whether custom samples are possible
- Whether the sample cost can be credited against a future order
Also define what the sample will approve:
- Dimensions
- Fit
- Function
- Finish
- Logo
- Packaging
A sample should not automatically be treated as full approval unless both sides understand exactly what has been approved.
12. State the Required Lead Time
“Fast delivery” is not a specification.
Give the supplier a target.
For example:
Target sample completion: within 15 days after drawing confirmation.
Target mass production: within 35 days after deposit and sample approval.
Ask the supplier to separate:
- Sample lead time
- Tooling lead time
- Mass-production lead time
- Estimated shipment date
The actual schedule depends on the product type, quantity, finish, tooling, material availability, and production capacity.
13. Specify the Incoterm and Destination
A product price is not complete unless the delivery basis is clear.
Depending on your logistics arrangement, you may request:
- EXW factory
- FCA named place
- FOB named port
- CIF named destination port
- DAP named destination
- DDP named destination, where appropriate
The International Chamber of Commerce publishes the official Incoterms® 2020 rules, which define responsibilities, costs, and transfer of risk between buyer and seller.
Do not write only:
“FOB price”
A better request is:
FOB Shenzhen, Incoterms® 2020
or another agreed named port.
Also provide the destination country.
Even when requesting EXW or FOB pricing, it gives the supplier useful context for packaging and documentation.
14. Tell Suppliers What the Quotation Must Include
A standardized response makes quotations easier to compare.
Ask each supplier to provide:
| Quotation Item | Information Required |
|---|---|
| Product | Model or drawing reference |
| Unit Price | Price per piece/set/pair |
| Currency | USD, EUR, etc. |
| MOQ | Minimum order quantity |
| Material | Exact material |
| Finish | Exact finish |
| Packaging | Standard or customized |
| Tooling | One-time charge if applicable |
| Sample | Cost and lead time |
| Production Lead Time | After approval/deposit |
| Incoterm | With named place/port |
| Payment Terms | Proposed terms |
| Quote Validity | Valid-until date |
If every supplier uses a different quotation format, important differences can be hidden.
15. Compare Like With Like
Suppose three suppliers quote the same “shower hinge”:
| Factor | Supplier A | Supplier B | Supplier C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Brass | Brass | Zinc alloy |
| Finish | Chrome | Chrome | Chrome |
| Packaging | Individual box | Bulk pack | Individual box |
| Quantity | 1,000 pcs | 3,000 pcs | 1,000 pcs |
| Testing | Included | Not stated | Not stated |
| Trade Term | FOB | EXW | FOB |
The unit prices cannot be compared directly.
Before deciding that one supplier is cheaper, confirm:
- Same product specification
- Same material
- Same finish
- Same quantity
- Same packaging
- Same quality requirements
- Same delivery basis
Compare like with like.
This is one of the simplest ways to avoid choosing a supplier based on an artificially low quotation.
16. Ask Suppliers to State Assumptions and Exceptions
Even a detailed RFQ may contain unclear points.
Ask suppliers to identify:
- Any assumptions used for quotation
- Any specification they cannot meet
- Any recommended alternative
- Any exclusion from the quoted price
A useful sentence is:
Please identify any deviation from the attached drawing or RFQ requirements in your quotation.
Silence should not automatically be treated as confirmation.
Important technical and commercial requirements should be confirmed in writing.
Copy-and-Paste Shower Door Hardware RFQ Template
Use the following structure when contacting suppliers.
Buyer Information
- Company:
- Contact:
- Country / Market:
- Email:
- Project / RFQ Number:
Product Information
- Product:
- Model / Drawing Reference:
- Application:
- Glass Thickness:
- Dimensions:
- Material:
- Finish:
- Quantity:
- Required Accessories:
OEM / Branding
- Custom Logo:
- Private Label:
- Packaging:
- Barcode / Label:
- Artwork Available: Yes / No
Quality Requirements
- Approved Sample Required: Yes / No
- Dimensional Inspection:
- Finish Requirement:
- Functional Test:
- Corrosion / Performance Requirement:
- Inspection Report:
- Third-Party Inspection: Yes / No
Commercial Requirements
- Sample Quantity:
- Requested Sample Lead Time:
- Target Mass-Production Lead Time:
- Incoterm:
- Named Port / Place:
- Destination Country:
- Currency:
- Payment Terms:
- Quotation Validity:
Attachments
- Drawing:
- Product Photo:
- Finish Reference:
- Packaging Artwork:
- Inspection Standard:
Supplier Response Requested
Please confirm:
- Unit price
- MOQ
- Material
- Finish
- Tooling or setup cost
- Sample cost
- Sample lead time
- Production lead time
- Packaging
- Incoterm
- Payment terms
- Quotation validity
- Any assumptions, exceptions, or recommended changes
Weak RFQ vs. Strong RFQ
Weak RFQ
Please quote 1,000 shower hinges in black. Send your best price.
The supplier still has to guess the hinge type, material, glass thickness, finish standard, packaging, testing, and delivery term.
Strong RFQ
Please quote 1,000 pcs wall-to-glass shower hinges according to Drawing H-01 Rev. A. Main body material: solid brass. Application: 10 mm tempered glass. Finish: matte black matching the attached reference sample. Individual box packaging required. Please quote FOB Shenzhen, Incoterms® 2020, and state MOQ, sample cost, sample lead time, mass-production lead time, payment terms, and quotation validity. Please identify any deviation from the drawing or finish requirement.
The second request gives the supplier enough information to provide a quotation that is much easier to evaluate.
Common RFQ Mistakes
Sending Only a Product Photo
A photo may show appearance but rarely defines material, dimensions, tolerances, or internal components.
Asking for the “Best Price” Before Defining the Product
The supplier may quote the lowest-cost interpretation instead of the specification you actually need.
Using an Unrealistic Quantity
A price based on 10,000 pieces may not apply when the actual first order is 500 pieces.
Forgetting Packaging
Custom packaging can change both cost and lead time.
Comparing Different Incoterms
EXW and FOB quotations are not directly comparable.
Changing Drawings Without Revision Control
This increases the risk that the sample and mass production follow different versions.
Assuming the Same Finish Name Means the Same Color
For coordinated hardware collections, approve the physical finish instead of relying only on names such as “gold” or “matte black.”
What Should You Do After Receiving Quotations?
Do not immediately select the lowest bidder.
Use a structured review:
- Confirm every supplier quoted the same specification.
- Identify missing information.
- Compare materials and finishes.
- Compare MOQ and lead time.
- Check packaging assumptions.
- Normalize Incoterms and delivery basis.
- Review tooling and one-time costs.
- Review sample terms.
- Confirm deviations in writing.
- Select suppliers for sample validation or further negotiation.
The quotation stage should reduce uncertainty.
If a quotation creates more questions than it answers, clarify those points before moving to a purchase order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information do I need to get a shower door hardware quotation?
At minimum, provide the product type, quantity, material, finish, dimensions or glass compatibility, packaging requirement, and delivery basis.
Drawings or clear reference photos improve accuracy, especially for OEM products.
Do I need a technical drawing before requesting a quote?
Not always.
Standard products can often be quoted using a model, product photo, and application information.
Customized products are easier to evaluate with a drawing, sample, or detailed dimensional reference.
Should I request EXW or FOB pricing?
It depends on your purchasing and logistics arrangement.
The important point is to request the same Incoterm and named place from each supplier when comparing quotations.
Can I request samples before placing a bulk order?
Yes.
Samples are particularly useful for new suppliers, customized products, new finishes, and private-label projects.
Define exactly what the sample is intended to approve.
How can I make supplier quotations easier to compare?
Send the same RFQ to each shortlisted supplier and request a standardized response covering unit price, material, finish, MOQ, packaging, tooling, sample cost, lead time, Incoterm, payment terms, and quotation validity.
Final Thoughts: A Better RFQ Creates a Better Sourcing Decision
A good RFQ is not simply a request for a price.
It is a tool for reducing sourcing uncertainty.
When buyers clearly define the product, application, material, finish, quantity, packaging, quality requirements, delivery basis, and OEM requirements, suppliers can quote more accurately and buyers can compare offers more fairly.
The goal is not to make every RFQ long.
The goal is to include the information that materially affects product quality, price, and delivery.
A clear RFQ also shows suppliers that the buyer understands the project and expects a professional response.
Request a Shower Door Hardware Quotation
If you are sourcing shower door hinges, glass clamps, handles, connectors, bathroom accessories, or customized shower hardware, send MAXIMA your:
- Product list
- Drawings or photos
- Quantity
- Material
- Finish
- Packaging requirements
- Destination country
- OEM or private-label requirements
Our team can review your requirements and provide product suggestions, quotation details, and available customization options.
