What a Real RFQ Actually Contains — The Structure That Gets You Comparable Quotes

You sent "I want 100kWh." You got 20 quotes. None comparable. The problem is not the suppliers. The problem is the RFQ. A real RFQ is not a wish. It is a specification that forces every supplier to quote the same product, with the same terms, so you can compare apples to apples.

Here is the structure that works.

Section 1: Application and load profile

What is this system for? Off-grid? Telecom backup? C&I peak shaving? Residential self-consumption? How many hours of autonomy? What is the daily load curve? If suppliers do not know your application, they will quote generic product.

Section 2: Power and energy spec

Total energy in kWh. Peak continuous power in kW. Surge capability for 5 seconds. Voltage (48V? 400V? 800V?). Frequency (50/60Hz?). These numbers are non-negotiable. Without them, every "100kWh" quote is a different product.

Section 3: Environmental requirements

Indoor or outdoor? Operating temperature range. IP rating required. Coastal salt spray? Desert heat? Cold climate below -20°C? A battery rated for 40°C will fail in a 5°C shed. Write the environment.

Section 4: Certifications and standards

CE? IEC 62619? UN 38.3? UL 1973? Grid-tied certification for your country? List every cert you need, not "if possible." If you write "if possible," you will get "if possible" back.

Section 5: Commercial terms

Delivery term (FOB/CIF/DAP). Destination port. Target lead time. Payment term. Currency. These are as important as the product spec, because two "same product" quotes with different terms are not comparable.

Section 6: Submission deadline

When do you need quotes back by? When do you expect to place the order? A deadline filters out suppliers who are too busy to respond seriously. Without a deadline, replies trickle in for weeks.

What happens when you send this structure

When you send this structure to 10 suppliers, you get 10 comparable quotes. You can actually compare. That is the point. A real RFQ is not a wish. It is a specification.

Use this as a procurement framework, not as legal, tax or technical advice. Always confirm spec, price and timing in writing.

← Back to insights