ROBUST CASEAluminum Case RFQ Checklist | How to Prepare Your Quote Request
How to prepare your aluminum case RFQ
A well-prepared RFQ gets you a fixed-price quote within 12 working hours. A vague RFQ triggers 3-5 days of clarifying emails. Use this page to assemble everything ROBUST CASE engineering needs to return a useful quote on the first reply.
⚡ Fixed-price quote in 12 working hours | Typical lead time 15–25 days | Free foam layout & 3D drawing | No MOQ for first order
12h
Reply with full RFQ
3-5 days
Reply with vague RFQ
95%
Accuracy first quote
USD 0
Cost to revise quote
What to include in your first message
Required — what engineering needs to quote
Use case & environmentTouring / military / medical / marine / cleanroom / indoor / outdoor
Target dimensionsExternal or internal (L × W × H in mm). State ±5 mm or ±20 mm tolerance
Gear inventory listEach item, qty, weight, photos (top + side). Fragile parts called out
Target quantity1 / 50 / 500 / annual contract. Determines MOQ tier and per-unit cost
Foam requirementPick-and-pluck / CNC waterjet / ESD / cleanroom / none
Hardware requirementLatches (butterfly / TSA / push-button), handles (recessed / side), wheels (2 in / 4 in / none)
Color & finishStock (silver / black / champagne) / custom RAL / Pantone code
BrandingSilk-screen / laser engraving / embossed plate / none
CertificationsMIL-STD / ATA-300 / IP67 / NFPA / ISO 13485 / FCC / CE
Target FOB price (optional)If you have a budget target, share it. We’ll engineer to cost or recommend alternatives
Helpful — speeds up quote
Reference product photosExisting case you want to mimic or replace
Target port / shipping termsFOB Shanghai / CIF Hamburg / DDP New York / etc.
Sample timelineIf you need a sample before bulk PO, share your deadline date
RFQ timeline — what happens after you send
1
Email received
Auto-ack within 30 minutes. Routed to engineering sales team
2
Quote drafted
Engineering reviews specs, drafts FOB quote. Asks clarifying questions if any
3
Quote returned
Indicative FOB price + lead time + sample cost + 2-3 case options. Within 12 working hours
4
Iterate
Spec adjustments, alternate materials, sample scope. Free to revise
5
Sample PO
If accepted, sample PI issued. Refundable on bulk PO ≥ 100 units
Example RFQ template — copy & customize
# ROBUST CASE RFQ Template
# Fill in, delete examples, send to [email protected]
Company name: ACME Distribution GmbH
Contact: Hans Mueller, [email protected]
Country: Germany
Use case: Touring sound gear (mobile DJ / rental)
Quantity: 100 units (annual contract — 200 next year)
Dimensions: ~450 × 350 × 200 mm internal (target ±10 mm)
Weight limit: 25 kg loaded
Gear (top-down layout):
– 2 × Pioneer DJM-900 mixer (320 × 380 × 110 mm, 8 kg)
– 1 × laptop (15 in)
– cable bundle (~2 kg)
Foam: CNC waterjet routed, layered (base + convoluted lid)
Color: Matte black anodized
Hardware: 4 butterfly latches, spring-return handle, 2 × 3 in swivel casters (locking)
Branding: Silk-screen logo, white, 1 color
Certifications: ATA-300 Category I (daily touring)
Shipping: CIF Hamburg
Target FOB/unit: USD 110-130 (50% deposit)
# Engineering will reply with: indicative FOB quote + lead time + sample cost + alternate dimensions if needed
Common mistakes that slow quoting
Vague dimensions
“Standard size” or “similar to a Pelican” — we need mm-level dimensions to engineer
No foam requirement
Cases without foam need a divider tray or pallet foam. Tell us what you actually want
Ignoring shipping cost
Cases are bulky. Air vs sea vs courier is often 5-15% of FOB. Include target port
Asking for “cheapest”
Tells us nothing. Share your budget per unit and we’ll engineer to cost
Skipping certifications
Specifying MIL-STD or IP67 mid-process triggers a re-spec. State at first message
No gear photos
Words describe dimensions. Photos reveal handle bumps, knob positions, fragile edges
Related decision pages
- Which aluminum case is right for you? — decision guide
- Compare Hub — Aluminum vs Pelican vs Wooden vs Plastic
- Hardware Guide — latches, handles, hinges, casters
- Foam Insert Engineering — density, fabrication, ESD
- Color & Finish Reference — colors, finishes, branding
- Order Process — 7 steps from inquiry to delivery
- Sample Policy — fees, lead time, what’s included
- Shipping & Lead Time — Incoterms, MOQ, transit
Ready to send your RFQ?
Use the template on this page. We’ll reply with a fixed-price quote within 12 working hours.
Send RFQ now
Ready to Protect Your Valuable Equipment?
Get a fixed-price quote within 12 working hours. Free foam layout and 3D drawing included.
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