How to Write a Towel RFQ That Gets an Accurate Manufacturer Quote

Start with the use, then define the product

A useful request for quotation (RFQ) tells the manufacturer what must be produced, how the quantities are divided and what the price must include. It does not need to be perfect on the first exchange. Clearly mark unknowns and ask for a recommendation where you need one.

“Premium cotton towels, 1,000 pieces” leaves size, fabric mass, yarn, colour split, branding and delivery scope open. Suppliers may price different products, making the resulting quotations difficult to compare. An organised brief lets the manufacturer distinguish an indicative estimate from a production-ready offer.

State whether the towel is for hotel rooms, spa treatment, retail, beach/resort use or another application. Share the target hand feel, operational care and intended positioning. Those requirements guide the construction before branding and packaging are priced.

The towel RFQ checklist

Details that commonly change the quotation

GSM and finished weight

GSM is area density; piece weight also depends on size and construction. Use the weight reference to check the brief. If you know only the desired feel, say so and request a suitable construction. Do not convert a rough estimate into an exact tolerance without agreement.

Colour and quantity breakdown

List each colour and size separately. “500 sets” might mean 500 towels or 1,500 towels in three-piece sets. Pantone codes should include their system/suffix; screen colours are references rather than dependable physical matches. Ask how the intended shade will be confirmed.

Commercial production at Nesis starts from 500 pcs; selected projects may be reviewed from 300 pcs where technically feasible. Yarn-dyed stripes, jacquard and special constructions can require higher minimums. The MOQ guide explains why a mixed total does not automatically satisfy every production line.

Artwork, labels and packaging

“Logo included” can mean embroidery, a woven label or a design integrated through jacquard. Specify the method, position and size; attach editable artwork where available. Define whether prices include setup, application and packaging components. Review private-label manufacturing for the choices that need to be fixed before confirmation.

Delivery and timing

Ask suppliers to identify the Incoterm and named place rather than comparing a product-only EXW price with a delivered quotation. Include your country and postcode. If you are unsure of the term, ask for a product price and a clearly described delivery option. State the desired delivery date; feasibility must account for production, approval, packing and transport.

Copyable example RFQ structure

Copy and adapt the following. Replace the brackets and mark unresolved choices as “recommendation requested”. This is a brief template, not a confirmed quotation or order.

Subject: Towel production RFQ — [brand / company]

Application / market: [hotel / spa / retail / beach]
Product and construction: [terry / waffle / other]
Fibre / cotton specification: [requirement or recommendation requested]
Dimensions and measurement basis: [width × length, cm, supplied/washed]
Target GSM / approximate piece weight: [requirement]
Pile yarn / border / hems: [details or recommendation requested]

Order lines (pieces, not sets unless explained):
[Size] — [colour / Pantone system + code] — [quantity]
[Size] — [colour / Pantone system + code] — [quantity]
Total towel pieces: [number]
If sets: [pieces per set and number of sets]

Branding: [embroidery / jacquard / label]
Logo dimensions, position and colours: [details]
Woven brand label: [design / fold / position]
Care label: [content / language / requirements]
Packaging: [bulk / individual / set; band / bag / box]
Barcode / carton requirements: [details]

Delivery country and postcode: [destination]
Preferred Incoterm and named place: [term/place or options requested]
Required delivery date: [date / flexible]
Certification / test requirements: [scope]
Attached references: [artwork / drawing / specification, version/date]

Please identify:
- Proposed construction and any departures from the brief
- MOQ per colour / size / design and component minimums
- Unit price and what is included
- Separate branding, setup and packaging costs where applicable
- Production timing, approval process and payment terms
- Delivery scope and quotation validity
- Outstanding information needed for final confirmation

If information is missing, make the assumptions visible

An early-stage buyer can ask for guidance without committing to a complete specification. State the use, intended dimensions, approximate quantity, target feel and destination first. The manufacturer can propose technically feasible options and explain which decisions are still needed.

Ask for assumptions to be listed. A price based on white standard terry and bulk packing should not silently become the budget for a custom coloured jacquard towel in a rigid box. Indicative pricing is useful when its scope and unresolved choices are clear.

Compare quotations against the same brief

• Check the proposed construction against every mandatory requirement.
• Compare quantity per order line and the actual MOQ basis.
• Separate towel, branding, packing and delivery costs.
• Check supplied dimensions/GSM, measurement basis and agreed acceptance criteria.
• Confirm documents, approval sequence, schedule and quotation validity.

Nesis uses technical/commercial confirmation → 60% advance → production setup → first finished pieces from actual production → photo/video documentation → courier evaluation where required → continuation under the approved setup → 40% before shipment → dispatch. First pieces confirm the agreed construction, positioning and finishing; they are not an open redesign stage.

Review custom towel development and submit your brief through the existing production review contact route.

Nesis Textile · Production in Denizli, Türkiye · B2B manufacturing and procurement guidance. Technical performance and commercial feasibility must be confirmed for the agreed programme.

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