How to Write a Knitwear RFQ That Gets Accurate Quotes
Updated 5/31/202612 min readBy Licheng Knitwear Team
A complete RFQ gets accurate, comparable knitwear quotes the first time. Learn exactly what to include — gauge, yarn, quantity, colours, Incoterm, dates — how an RFQ differs from a tech pack, plus a copy-ready template.
1. Overview
A complete RFQ gets accurate, comparable knitwear quotes the first time. Learn exactly what to include — gauge, yarn, quantity, colours, Incoterm, dates — how an RFQ differs from a tech pack, plus a copy-ready template. This guide walks you through the manufacturing journey with Licheng Knitwear.
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A good RFQ — request for quote — is the fastest way to get accurate, comparable prices from knitwear factories. A vague request gets vague numbers that change later; a complete one gets a real quote you can trust and compare across suppliers. An RFQ is not the same as a tech pack: the tech pack describes the product, while the RFQ is the commercial request that wraps around it. This guide shows exactly what to include so factories can quote you properly the first time.
The quality of the quotes you receive is set by the quality of the RFQ you send. Give factories everything they need to price accurately, and they'll stop padding for uncertainty.
A complete RFQ gets accurate, comparable quotes the first time.
What a complete knitwear RFQ contains
Product summary — style type (crew, cardigan, knit jacket), with a reference photo or sketch
Gauge and yarn target — e.g. 7GG, lambswool blend; or "match this reference"
Key measurements — or a garment to copy; link your tech pack if you have one
Colours — how many, and whether custom-dyed
Quantity — total and a per-colour split (this drives MOQ and price)
Target market and any compliance needs — e.g. specific certifications
Incoterm — FOB, EXW or CIF, so quotes are comparable
Required dates — when you need samples and delivery
Send the same RFQ to each factory so the quotes you compare are truly equivalent.
Tips that get better quotes
Send the same RFQ to every supplier so quotes are comparable.
Be realistic on quantity — see the custom sweater MOQ guide; padding "just in case" inflates samples and risk.
Ask for the breakdown (yarn, knitting, linking, trims) and the sample cost + lead time.
State your Incoterm clearly — an EXW number always looks cheaper than FOB for the same garment.
Don't lead with "what's your cheapest price" — lead with a clear spec; quality factories respond to clarity, not pressure.
A simple RFQ template
Style: men's 7GG lambswool-blend half-zip (ref photo attached) · Colours: 3 · Quantity: [your qty], split evenly · Measurements: tech pack attached / sample to copy · Incoterm: FOB · Sample needed by: [date] · Delivery by: [date] · Packaging: private label, individual polybag · Market: USA. Please quote unit price with breakdown, MOQ, sample cost and lead times.
Send us your RFQ
Licheng Knitwear responds to clear RFQs with an itemised quote — unit price with breakdown, MOQ, sample cost and lead times — so you can compare confidently. Put your details together and request a quote, or browse product directions to anchor your RFQ to a style you like.
2. The Custom Knitwear Process
A clear development flow keeps samples, costing and bulk production aligned before your order moves forward.
1. Inquiry
Share your idea, tech packs and requirements.
2. Design & Yarn Selection
We recommend yarns and create an initial direction.
3. Sampling
Develop samples for fit, look and function.
4. Production
Bulk production with stage-based quality control.
5. Quality Inspection
QC checks help confirm workmanship, measurements and packing.
6. Packaging & Delivery
Packing and delivery details are discussed by order.
3. Materials & Yarn Selection
The right yarn defines handfeel, performance and durability. Material choice can be adjusted by season, market and target price.
Natural Fibers
Wool, cotton, cashmere and silk directions
Blended Yarns
Wool blends, cotton blends and acrylic blends
Responsible Yarn Options
Organic cotton and recycled fiber discussions
Performance Yarns
Merino, anti-pilling and functional yarn directions
4. Design & Development
From reference photos to tech packs and pattern review, our team helps turn ideas into a manufacturable knitwear direction.
Design consultation
Tech pack and specification support
Pattern and structure review
Jacquard, intarsia and custom detailing
Quality is not only one step in the process. It is checked throughout development and production.
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Years Experience
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Global Clients
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On-time Delivery
5. Sampling & Approval
Plan each detail clearly before bulk production to reduce risk and improve buyer communication.
Proto sample
Fit sample
Pre-production sample
6. Production & Quality Control
Plan each detail clearly before bulk production to reduce risk and improve buyer communication.
Knitting, linking and finishing
In-line and final inspection
Stage-based QC process
7. Packaging & Delivery
Plan each detail clearly before bulk production to reduce risk and improve buyer communication.
Custom labels and hangtags
Packaging discussions
Shipping support discussion
8. Costs & Lead Times
Cost and timeline depend on yarn, gauge, construction, color count, quantity and packaging requirements.
MOQ
Reviewed by style, yarn and project
Sample Lead Time
Confirmed after material and gauge review
Bulk Lead Time
Confirmed by quantity and production plan
9. Best Practices for Success
Use these practical points to make sampling and bulk production easier to manage.
