01 BUYER INPUT CHECKLIST
Packaging-film RFQ checklist: make the first quote comparable
A material name and width are not enough to compare offers. A useful RFQ separates what is required, what is already known and what remains open to supplier recommendation—without turning unknowns into invented specifications.
02 DECISION FRAME
The brief should expose assumptions before price hides them
Start from the packed product, current structure and actual sourcing problem. Add measurable requirements only when their method and conditions are known. Mark undecided construction details as open to recommendation, then make samples and trials answer the remaining questions.
- A first enquiry for film, foil or a converted laminate input
- A resourcing project where supplier quotes currently describe different products
- A troubleshooting request that needs the failure mode translated into data
- That a broad material label identifies the grade or layer construction
- That target values are comparable when units and test conditions are missing
- That a sample can be approved without a named trial and acceptance owner
03 COMPARISON MAP
Classify each RFQ field before sending it
This keeps the brief honest while giving the supplier enough context to make a useful recommendation.
Swipe or scroll horizontally to review every evidence column.
| Input class | What it means | How to write it | Buyer action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | A fixed constraint for the pack, line, market or business decision | State the requirement, unit, tolerance and acceptance basis | Reject or clarify offers that do not address it |
| Current reference | The existing material, structure, data sheet, sample or problem | Identify revision, specimen and known performance without calling it a target | Use it as the control for comparison |
| If known | Helpful technical information that may not yet be complete | Share the value and its source; label uncertainty clearly | Ask the converter or testing owner to confirm |
| Open to recommendation | A design choice the supplier may propose | State the required outcome and fixed constraints instead of inventing a grade | Request the reason, evidence and trial implication for each proposal |
| To be validated | A claim that can only be approved through documents, testing or a line trial | Name the sample, test, process and pass criteria | Assign an approval owner and record the result |
04 SELECTION SEQUENCE
Move from a broad comparison to an approvable decision.
Lock only the true constraints
Separate product, pack, line and market requirements from habits carried over from the current material.
Attach the reference and source
Name the existing structure, data-sheet revision, test report or sample so suppliers can see what each value describes.
Invite a bounded recommendation
Tell the supplier which outcome is required, which details are flexible and how the proposed construction will be qualified.
05 RFQ INPUTS
Complete packaging-film and foil RFQ
Use the lines below as a send-ready review. Unknown items can stay marked “open” or “to be confirmed.”
Open the RFQ brief builder ↗- 01
Buyer project name, application owner and quotation contact route
- 02
Packed product, product sensitivity, pack format and fill or sealing process
- 03
Current structure, material reference, failure mode and reason for resourcing
- 04
Target structure or the layer functions that remain open to recommendation
- 05
Thickness, width, tolerances, core, roll limit, winding direction and splice policy
- 06
Print, treatment, lamination, coating, metallizing, slitting and pouch-making requirements
- 07
Seal, COF, optical, mechanical, barrier, adhesion or bond targets with methods and conditions
- 08
Destination market and exact declarations or documents requested for review
- 09
Sample format, trial sequence, acceptance criteria, decision owner and target timing
- 10
Trial quantity, forecast basis, recurring volume, delivery destination and quote validity needs
06 EVIDENCE BOUNDARY
Unknown is an acceptable RFQ status
Do not copy a competitor value or choose a test condition merely to fill a blank. Mark the field open, describe the required outcome and ask the supplier to identify its assumption, supporting document and proposed validation step.
07 BUYER QUESTIONS
Resolve the assumptions that make quotes diverge.
01Can an RFQ be sent before the final laminate is fixed?+
Yes. State the packed product, required outcomes and fixed constraints, then mark the construction as open to recommendation. Ask each supplier to explain the proposed layer roles and validation plan.
02Which items are essential for a first film quote?+
At minimum, provide the material or function, application, current or target structure, dimensions, roll format, converting route, performance targets, destination, sample need and volume basis.
03How should an unknown specification be handled?+
Label it “to be confirmed” or “open to recommendation.” Describe the outcome or current problem and ask what evidence or trial the supplier needs to close the decision.
04Why include test methods and conditions in an RFQ?+
They define what a reported value actually represents. Without the specimen, unit, method and environment, two numbers may not support a fair material comparison.