AliExpress RFQ: How to quote efficiently and obtain business opportunities

AliExpress RFQ (Request for Quotation) is one of the important channels for suppliers to find potential customers and make quotations on the Alibaba platform. For companies that want to expand overseas markets, it is crucial to master the operational skills of RFQ. This article will combine actual cases to introduce in detail how to analyze RFQs, quotations, and specific methods of obtaining RFQs.

1. The meaning and process of RFQ

Direct purchase (RFQ) means that buyers actively fill in purchasing information and entrust the Alibaba platform to find suitable sellers. Suppliers can quote timely according to buyers’ requirements. This process not only allows buyers to quickly find suitable suppliers, but also facilitates supplier quotation management and order management.

2. RFQ quotation rights

Different types of suppliers enjoy different RFQ quotation rights. For example, the basic quotation authority for Export Pass and Jinpin Chengqi members is 20 items/month; for pass members, it is 10 items/month; while for mainland free members, it is only 10 items/90 days. It should be noted that if a supplier accumulates 3 negative reviews in a month, its quotation authority will be frozen for 7 days starting from the 3rd of the following month. In addition, suppliers can also obtain additional incentive rights by increasing the number of days they can visit the direct procurement market, the number of days they can quote RFQ, and the number of valid credit insurance orders.

3. RFQ quotation operation skills

1. Analyze RFQ

Before making a formal quotation, the supplier should conduct a detailed analysis of the RFQ. First, pay attention to the title, purchase quantity, country, remaining quotation seats and other information. Secondly, check whether the IP is consistent with the location, whether the company name actually exists, and whether the RFQ details are detailed. Finally, analyze the buyer’s information to understand the other party’s gender, position, purchasing practices, company situation, etc.

2. Quotation steps

• Product name: The name must closely match the buyer’s RFQ name. The title should preferably not exceed 50 characters and should highlight the product’s advantages.
• Product details: Include a complete product description, selling points and advantages, and respond to special questions raised by customers.
• Images: Although not required, high-quality images can significantly increase appeal.
• Price: The validity period of the quotation should not be too long to prevent risks caused by industry price or exchange rate fluctuations.
• Samples: Providing samples can help improve the competitiveness of RFQ quotations.
• Message to the buyer: It can be written in a counteroffer format, with explanations and supplements based on the buyer’s needs.
• File upload: Upload attachments such as company-related product catalogs, information that buyers are interested in, etc.

4. How to obtain RFQ

Suppliers can obtain RFQs in the following ways:

1. System Recommendation: Get recommended high-quality business opportunities on the homepage of the direct purchasing channel and be notified by email.
2. Active search: Enter keywords in the search bar of the direct procurement channel to find relevant procurement information.
3. Custom RFQ: Add keywords to My Custom Search to receive relevant information via email and instant messaging.

Through the above methods, suppliers can not only better understand the working principle of RFQ, but also effectively improve the quotation success rate, thereby standing out in the fierce market competition.