At Reata, we understand that getting the most accurate and timely quotes is key to keeping your projects on schedule. But RFQs sent to our Colorado machine shop often lack crucial details, putting jobs at risk of delays, miscommunications, and sometimes even pricing discrepancies.
If you’re an engineer or buyer preparing to request pricing from a responsive precision machine shop like Reata, here’s what you should know to make the quoting process faster, smoother, and more accurate.
Information Matters in the Quoting Process
Our expert team is equipped to handle a range of contract manufacturing services. But even with the most advanced capabilities, an incomplete RFQ might slow us down.
A good, thorough quote starts with clear communication. When we know your full intent, requirements, and constraints, we can plan accordingly and select the right equipment, tooling, and processes to match.
What to Include in Your RFQ
1. Complete drawings and 3D models
Always include a detailed drawing, ideally with a corresponding STEP or solid model file. When our team has this critical information upfront, we can reduce back-and-forth that may slow down your job. Additionally, immediate access to these files helps us assess the part’s geometry and tolerances more accurately.
2. Quantity and volume
Surprisingly, we receive many RFQs that don’t list quantities. However, this is a crucial factor in how we approach your quote. For instance, we might handle a quantity of one completely differently than we would handle a quantity of 1,000.
In addition, knowing whether your quote is for prototype machining services, tooling, or complete contract production services affects how we plan your job. We likely would not invest in production-level fixturing if we know it’s for a one-off prototype. Letting us know allows us to allocate resources appropriately, saving time and cost for both parties.
3. Material and finish
Always let us know what material you need—especially if it’s exotic or specialized—and the final finish requirements. Whether you require laser engraving, electroless nickel plating, or passivation services, knowing upfront saves our team valuable time in quoting.
4. Tolerances and critical features
If certain features are mission-critical, be sure to call them out. And if you’re open to Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback, let us know. We can often suggest design tweaks to help reduce cost or lead time.
5. End use and mating parts
Understanding how the part will be used, or if it mates with another part, helps us check fit and functionality. Even better, sending us a sample mating part or reference file can prevent timely rework down the line.
6. Quality and compliance considerations
As an ISO certified machine shop, we’re accustomed to complex quality requirements. If you need First Article Inspection (FAI) or PPAP, or if you have company-specific quality clauses, we need that information at the quoting stage. Requirements like these may require alternate vendors, an additional factor we’d need to factor into your quote.
7. Packaging and special marking
Every company we work with has unique packaging needs. No matter how you’d like your parts packaged, make sure you let our team know as soon as possible so we can allocate the necessary time and resources.
Special marking or labeling requests—like serialization, barcodes, or laser engraving—should also be communicated early to ensure compliance and accuracy.
8. If your RFQ is for budgetary purposes only
If you’re requesting a quote for budgeting purposes only, let our team know. We can still provide an accurate quote without diving into a full engineering breakdown. That way, you get what you need as quickly as possible, without the unnecessary nuance.
Set Your Project Up for Success
Whether you require specific precision machining capabilities or full engineering and manufacturing services, Reata serves as an agile Colorado machine shop, eager to serve and ready to deliver. But to do that, we need the clearest picture of your needs from the start. That’s why the more information you provide upfront, the better.
Ready to work with a contract manufacturer that values precision, communication, and exceptional results? Request a quote to get your next project started, and let’s build something great together.