---
layout: default
title: Cookware RFQ Checklist
---

# Cookware RFQ Checklist

📥 **[Download Raw Markdown Template](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/goldensea-kitchenware/cookware-sourcing-toolkit/main/rfq-checklist.md)** | 📄 **[View on GitHub](https://github.com/goldensea-kitchenware/cookware-sourcing-toolkit/blob/main/rfq-checklist.md)**

Use this checklist before sending a request for quotation to cookware suppliers. A clear RFQ helps suppliers quote against the same assumptions, reduces back-and-forth, and makes supplier comparison more reliable.

> [!TIP]
> **Download Editable Excel Template**: You can download a professionally styled Excel spreadsheet version of this checklist to fill out and send directly to your suppliers:
> 📥 **[Download Tri-ply Cookware RFQ Template (.xlsx)]({{ '/downloads/Tri-ply-Cookware-RFQ-Template.xlsx' | relative_url }})**

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## Technical & Commercial Context: Sourcing Best Practices

To secure accurate quotes and protect your brand's intellectual property, ensure your RFQ incorporates the following industry standards:

### 1. Intellectual Property Protection (NDA)
* Prior to sharing custom 3D drawings, CAD files, or brand-specific design briefs with suppliers, obtain a signed **Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)** or Product Development Agreement. 
* *Sourcing tip:* Specify that all custom tooling, molds, and designs remain the exclusive property of the buyer.

### 2. Packaging Transit Standards (Drop Testing)
Cookware shipments—especially those featuring glass lids or non-stick coatings—are highly susceptible to transit damage.
* **ISTA 3A (Parcel Delivery):** Mandatory for e-commerce or parcel shipping (e.g., UPS, FedEx, Amazon). Simulates drops, vibrations, and compression.
* **ISTA 1A / 2A (Basic Screening):** Standard drop test on corners, edges, and faces for palletized retail distribution.
* **Amazon FFP / SIOC:** Frustration-Free Packaging / Ships in Own Container testing if selling directly on Amazon.

### 3. Commercial Terms & Tooling Amortization
* **Incoterms:** Standardize on **FOB Jiangmen** or **FOB Shenzhen** for Chinese cookware exports.
* **Payment Structure:** Standard industry payment terms are **30% T/T deposit, 70% balance** paid after third-party QC inspection approval and before loading/BL release.
* **Tooling/Mold Costs:** If new molds are required (e.g., for custom handles, helper handles, or unique lid designs), request a separate tooling quote. Ask for the **tooling fee refund threshold** (e.g., the supplier refunds 100% of the mold fee once cumulative orders reach 5,000 or 10,000 units of that SKU).

---

## 1. Buyer and Project Context

| Field | Details / Requirement |
| --- | --- |
| **Company Name** | `[e.g., Sourcing Solutions Ltd]` |
| **Buyer Sourcing Profile** | `[e.g., Private Label Brand / Wholesale Distributor]` |
| **Destination Market** | `[e.g., Germany (LFGB) / United States (FDA)]` |
| **Sales Channel** | `[e.g., E-commerce (Amazon) / Specialty Retail]` |
| **Project Sourcing Type** | `[ ] New Custom OEM/ODM` <br>`[ ] Private Labeling of Existing Model` <br>`[ ] Re-sourcing` |
| **Target Launch Date** | `[e.g., Q4 2026]` |
| **NDA Signed Date** | `[e.g., June 10, 2026]` (Must sign before sending drawings) |

---

## 2. Product Assortment and Structure

| SKU | Cookware Category | Dimensions (Diameter x Height) | Material Structure (e.g., Tri-Ply 2.5mm) | Core Thickness | Lid & Handle Type |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **1** | `[e.g., Frypan]` | `[e.g., 24 cm x 5.0 cm]` | `[e.g., Tri-ply 2.5 mm]` | `[e.g., 1.5 mm Aluminum]` | `[e.g., Long cast SS handle, no lid]` |
| **2** | `[e.g., Casserole]` | `[e.g., 20 cm x 10.0 cm]` | `[e.g., Tri-ply 2.5 mm]` | `[e.g., 1.5 mm Aluminum]` | `[e.g., Loop side handles, Glass lid]`|
| **3** | `[e.g., Saucepan]` | `[e.g., 16 cm x 8.0 cm]` | `[e.g., Tri-ply 2.5 mm]` | `[e.g., 1.5 mm Aluminum]` | `[e.g., Long handle + helper, Glass lid]`|
| **4** | `[e.g., Stockpot]` | `[e.g., 24 cm x 14.0 cm]` | `[e.g., Tri-ply 2.5 mm]` | `[e.g., 1.5 mm Aluminum]` | `[e.g., Loop side handles, SS lid]` |

---

## 3. Technical Specifications

| Component / Feature | Sourcing Requirement | Target / Reference Standards |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Material Cladding** | `[ ] Tri-ply (SS304 + Alu + SS430)` <br>`[ ] 5-Ply Clad` | Core: Pure Aluminum |
| **Target Total Thickness**| `[ ] 2.0 mm` <br>`[ ] 2.3 mm` <br>`[ ] 2.5 mm` <br>`[ ] 3.0 mm` | Tolerance: $\pm 0.1\text{ mm}$ |
| **Inner Surface Finish** | `[e.g., Satin Brushed finish]` | Food-contact safe, no oil residue |
| **Exterior Surface Finish**| `[e.g., High Mirror Polish]` | Corrosion resistant |
| **Rim Finish** | `[ ] Sealed Closed Rim` <br>`[ ] Exposed Cut Rim` | Closed Rim preferred for dishwashers |
| **Base Compatibility** | `[ ] Gas` <br>`[ ] Electric` <br>`[ ] Ceramic` <br>`[ ] Induction` | Must pass magnet compatibility check |
| **Stamping / Logo** | `[e.g., Stamped logo center bottom]` | Location: Center of bottom |

---

## 4. Fittings (Handles, Lids & Knobs)

| Component | Sourcing Requirement | Target / Reference Standards |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Lid Material** | `[ ] Tempered Glass (Flat / Dome)` <br>`[ ] Stainless Steel` | Glass thickness: min 4.0 mm |
| **Lid Knob** | `[e.g., Cast Stainless Steel knob with stay-cool design]` | Secure attachment, no heat conduction |
| **Long Handle** | `[e.g., Hollow stainless steel long handle with hanging hole]` | Ergonomic grip, hanging hole |
| **Side / Helper Handles** | `[e.g., Cast Stainless Steel loop handles for casserole]` | Recommended for casseroles $> 24\text{ cm}$ |
| **Attachment Method** | `[ ] Riveted (Stainless Steel Rivets)` <br>`[ ] Welded (Smooth Interior)` | Pull-test strength: $\ge 100\text{ kg}$ |

---

## 5. Packaging and Transit Requirements

| Field | Packaging Specification | Testing / Standard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Primary Packaging** | `[e.g., Retail color gift box, 3ply cardboard]` | Box thickness: e.g., 350g grey board / E-flute |
| **Outer Shipping Carton** | `[e.g., Double-wall corrugated shipping master carton]` | Must withstand humidity during sea freight |
| **Barcodes & Labeling** | `[e.g., UPC barcode printed on box / Shipping labels on carton]` | Position: Bottom right corner |
| **Transit Testing Standard**| `[e.g., ISTA 3A (Parcel drop test)]` | Specify drop heights based on package weight |
| **Instruction Manual** | `[e.g., 4-page printed booklet in English & German]` | Languages: English / German / French |

---

## 6. Compliance and Social Audits

| Field | Buyer Requirement | Verification Document |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Market Certification** | `[ ] FDA Food Contact` <br>`[ ] LFGB German Compliance` | Third-party accredited lab report |
| **Factory Social Audit** | `[ ] amfori BSCI` <br>`[ ] Sedex SMETA` <br>`[ ] ISO 9001` | Valid audit report (Grade C or above) |
| **Material Traceability** | `[e.g., Steel Mill Test Certificate (MTC) required]` | Batch chemistry trace (Cr, Ni, C) |

---

## 7. Commercial & Quotation Breakdown

Ask the supplier to provide quotes divided into the following categories:

| Sourcing Item | Unit Price (USD) | MOQ Required | Tooling / Mold Cost (if any) | Production Lead Time |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **SKU 1 (Frypan)** | `[e.g., Target: $12.00]` | `[e.g., 500 units]` | `[e.g., $1,500 (handle mold)]`| `[e.g., 45 days]` |
| **SKU 2 (Casserole)**| `[e.g., Target: $16.50]` | `[e.g., 500 units]` | `[e.g., $0 (existing mold)]` | `[e.g., 45 days]` |
| **SKU 3 (Saucepan)** | `[e.g., Target: $11.80]` | `[e.g., 500 units]` | `[e.g., $0 (existing mold)]` | `[e.g., 45 days]` |
| **SKU 4 (Stockpot)** | `[e.g., Target: $21.00]` | `[e.g., 500 units]` | `[e.g., $0 (existing mold)]` | `[e.g., 45 days]` |
| **Sample Fee** | `[e.g., USD $50 per set]`| `[e.g., N/A]` | *Refundable on bulk order?* `[e.g., Yes]` | *Sample Lead Time:* `[e.g., 10 days]` |

* **Preferred Incoterm:** `[e.g., FOB Jiangmen / FOB Shenzhen]`
* **Preferred Payment Terms:** `[e.g., 30% deposit, 70% balance paid after QC inspection pass]`
* **Tooling Cost Refund Clause:** Supplier to refund 100% of mold fees once buyer orders a cumulative total of **`[e.g., 5,000 units]`** per SKU.
* **Validity of Quote:** `[e.g., Minimum 60 days from submission]`

---

## 8. Questions for Supplier Response

1. *Can you produce this product exactly to the requested material cladding, thickness, and rim finish?*
2. *Do you have existing molds for the handles and lids shown, or will this project require new tooling?*
3. *What is your standard production lead time for a first order versus repeat orders?*
4. *Can you provide a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) for the stainless steel coils to verify chemical composition (Cr/Ni content)?*
5. *Which accredited laboratory do you normally use for food-contact compliance tests?*
6. *What AQL defect limits does your factory internal QC team use during final inspection?*

---

## 9. Internal Buyer Notes (Decision matrix)

* **Supplier Strength / Capability:** `[e.g., Factory has strong tri-ply cladding line and BSCI B-grade]`
* **Sourcing Risks identified:** `[e.g., Lead times might stretch during peak season before Chinese New Year]`
* **Target vs Sourced Price Variance:** `[e.g., Quotes are within +5% of target price]`
* **Next Sourcing Action:** `[e.g., Request samples for SKU 1 and SKU 2]`