How Procurement Managers Can Break Out of the “No Quote” Blues

Tom Greco August 12, 2014

“Not for us.” “Volume is too low.” “We can’t do that size.”

You’ve heard every excuse possible. No matter how hard you try, sometimes it feels like you will never find a custom manufacturing supplier that will even give you a quote, never mind actually produce the parts you need. In an economy that has folks pushing to maximize every opportunity, it seems very counter intuitive that we would see this many possible jobs get turned down, doesn’t it? I agree. So what can you do to maximize your chances of finding the right custom manufacturers and job shops on the first try? Here are 3 tips:

Procurement manager on laptop

1. Know Your Volume Requirements

This is the most common reason for custom manufacturers passing on a project. Research the minimum order thresholds most businesses make public. By confirming this before sending an RFQ, you increase your chances of an actual quote being returned. Also, provide your Expected Annual Usage (EAU) year over year. If there is potential for long term growth, your project becomes more desirable.

2. Use Your Company Email Address

Too often procurement managers use a Gmail or Yahoo email address to try and remain anonymous during the quoting phase. This leaves the potential supplier in the dark and questioning your devotion to the projected you asked them to take time to quote. Respect their time and they will respect yours. An added bonus of using your company email is the potential for a supplier to bend the rules and do the prototypes you need. If they see the potential for a long term partnership, everything becomes negotiable.

3. Provide A Technical Drawing

While pictures are helpful in understanding the overall part, they are not enough to quote and confirm machine capabilities. Always provide a detailed technical drawing. If necessary, state that you have drawing files available in a certain CAD format, but you will need the supplier to sign an NDA before providing them for review and pricing.

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