So, your tech pack is generated and looking sharp. Awesome! Now it's time to take the next big step: getting a real-world price from a manufacturer who can bring your vision to life. This whole process is called a Request for Quote, or RFQ, and it's how you get the ball rolling on production.
Kicking Off Your Quote Request
Your journey starts right where your design lives—inside your tech pack. Head over to the Tech Packs section in your Creator Dashboard. Find the specific product you’re ready to get quotes for and click to open its detail view. You’ll see all the specs and details you've put together. Look for a button labeled Request Quote. That's your gateway. Clicking it will pop open a dialog where you'll fill in all the specifics for this potential order.
Filling in the Blanks: What to Tell the Manufacturer
This form is your first direct conversation with a potential manufacturing partner, so clarity is key. It's pretty straightforward, but let's walk through what each field means for you and the supplier.
First up, give your order a clear Order Title. Something like "Inaugural T-Shirt Run - Blue" works wonders so you can easily track it later. Next, you have to choose an Order Type. Are you just testing the waters with a Sample, or are you ready to go big with a Quantity order? A sample is your pre-production test piece to check quality, while a quantity order is for your main production run. Be sure to specify the exact Quantity you have in mind for the order.
The Description field is your moment to shine. Go beyond the tech pack and add some color. Is this for a limited-edition drop? A core piece in your new collection? Give the manufacturer some context. Then comes the Estimated Budget. Don't sweat this one too much; it's just a ballpark figure to help us match you with suppliers who are a good fit for your project's scale. Be honest about your Manufacturing Experience—whether you're a seasoned pro or a total newcomer. It helps the factory know what level of guidance you might need, and there's absolutely no shame in being new to the game!
Finally, you’ll handle the logistics. Pop in your Destination Address so they know where the finished goods are heading. You'll also choose a Shipping Method. This usually comes down to a classic trade-off: Air is fast but pricey, while Sea is much slower but easier on the wallet. (Land is an option too, of course, depending on your location). Got anything else on your mind? The Notes section is a catch-all for any lingering questions or special instructions you want to pass along.
Choosing Your Partner and Sending it Off
Once you’ve filled everything out, the next step is to choose who you're sending this request to. Genpire will present you with a selection of potential suppliers who are a good match for your product category and needs. You get to review the options and select the manufacturer you want to connect with.
After you've made your pick and hit submit, your tech pack and RFQ are securely sent to that manufacturer. And that's it! You've officially started a conversation. Just remember, sending an RFQ isn't the same as placing an order. It’s an inquiry. The manufacturer will review everything and get back to you with their quote, timing, and maybe a few questions to help iron out the details. From there, the two of you can work together directly to bring your product into the world.
Related questions
What’s the difference between a quote and a purchase order?
Think of a quote as an estimate or a proposal from the manufacturer detailing the costs and timeline for your project. A purchase order (PO), on the other hand, is a legally binding contract that you issue once you've agreed to the quote and are officially green-lighting production.
Can I send my RFQ to more than one manufacturer?
The Genpire flow is designed to create a focused conversation by having you select a single supplier for each RFQ you submit. If you want to get quotes from multiple partners, you can simply repeat the RFQ process for your tech pack and select a different manufacturer each time.
What if I need to change something after submitting my RFQ?
No problem at all! The RFQ is just the start of a conversation. If you realize you need to tweak a detail, you can communicate that directly with the manufacturer once they respond to your initial request. They expect minor adjustments and questions as you work together to finalize the project.