A clear request for quotation (RFQ) is the fastest way to get useful, comparable prices for aluminium. Vague enquiries such as "need aluminium, best rate" get vague answers, and you spend days going back and forth. This guide explains what to include for ingots, semis and scrap, so suppliers can quote accurately the first time.
1. Describe the product exactly
Start with the product type and form: ingot, billet, wire rod, sheet, coil, extrusion, foil, conductor, powder, scrap or dross. Then name the grade:
- Primary metal: purity, for example P1020 or 99.7% minimum. State the form too: standard ingot, sow, T-bar, notch bar or shots.
- Alloy ingots: the standard and alloy, such as ADC12, LM6 or LM24. Our ADC12 vs LM6 vs LM24 guide can help.
- Semis: alloy and temper together, for example 6063-T5 or 5052-H32.
- Scrap: grade name and code word where used, with a description. See scrap grades explained.
2. Give the key specifications
List only what matters for your use, but make those points firm.
- Chemistry: limits for key elements, and whether a spectro report is needed with each lot.
- Dimensions and tolerance: thickness, width, length, diameter or die drawing, with plus and minus limits.
- Mechanical or electrical properties: tensile strength, elongation or conductivity where relevant.
- Surface and finish: mill finish, anodised, powder coated, with film or without.
- Physical form: weight per piece, coil weight, bundle size, bale or loose for scrap.
- For scrap and dross: acceptable contamination, moisture and oil, and how recovery or metal content will be judged.
3. State quantity and schedule
Give the total quantity in kg or MT, whether it is a one-time purchase or regular monthly need, and any trial lot you want first. Suppliers price a full truckload differently from a small lot, so be clear. Include the required delivery date or dispatch schedule.
4. Delivery and commercial terms
- Delivery location: city, pin code and whether you want ex-works or delivered pricing.
- Freight and unloading: who arranges transport and who unloads.
- Taxes: ask for the basic rate and GST shown separately. Mention the HSN code if you know it.
- Payment terms: advance, against delivery, or credit, and any letter of credit or bank guarantee.
- Validity: how long the quote should stay valid, since metal rates move with the market.
5. Documents and quality checks
- Tax invoice, e-way bill and weighbridge slip.
- Mill test certificate or composition report per lot.
- Sample approval before bulk dispatch, if needed.
- Any customer or regulatory documents, such as BIS marking or recycled content declarations.
- Inspection rights: at the supplier, at loading or on receipt.
RFQ checklist
| Item | Example |
|---|---|
| Product and form | Alloy ingot |
| Grade / alloy and temper | ADC12 to JIS standard |
| Key specs | Fe max as per standard, Zn max as per drawing, spectro per heat |
| Size / form | bundles, weight per piece as per your usual |
| Quantity | trial lot, then monthly requirement |
| Delivery | delivered to factory, city and pin code |
| Commercials | rate per kg plus GST, freight, payment terms, validity |
| Documents | invoice, e-way bill, test report, weighbridge slip |
Common mistakes
- Leaving out temper for sheet and extrusions, which leads to quotes for different products.
- Asking for "best rate" without quantity or location, so suppliers cannot include freight.
- Not stating how disputes on chemistry, weight or contamination will be settled.
- Comparing quotes with different GST, freight or payment terms as if they were the same.
- Over-specifying properties you do not need, which narrows supply and raises cost.
- Sending a drawing without a written summary, so key points such as alloy, temper or quantity are missed.
After the quotes arrive
- Put all quotes into one sheet on the same basis: landed cost per kg including GST, freight and any extras.
- Check that each supplier has quoted what you asked for and note any deviations they have proposed.
- For a new supplier, order a trial lot and verify the material before placing a large order.
Using AluminumBazaar
When you post a requirement on AluminumBazaar, the form follows this structure. The sourcing desk reviews your RFQ, fills gaps with you, sends it to verified suppliers, and returns quotations with rate, GST, freight and payment terms laid out side by side. It can also arrange samples and spectro checks and follow the order through dispatch and delivery. Start from the aluminium catalogue to pick the right category.