What the buyer should see on the first quote
The quote should make the buying route clear enough for purchase, QC and accounts to move without repeated clarification emails.
| Buying point | Quote should state | Purchase manager check |
|---|---|---|
| Stock / indent basis | Available stock, cut-size supply, source-arranged supply or mill indent. | Avoid vague availability. The basis should match grade, form, heat, size and certificate requirement. |
| Lead time | Confirmed after material source, testing, TPI and dispatch scope are known. | Lead time changes if PMI, hardness, ferrite, impact, corrosion testing or TPI is added later. |
| MOQ stance | Cut-piece possible where stock supports it; mill MOQ or standard length may apply on indent. | Confirm whether quotation is per piece, per kg, full length, plate, sheet or lot basis. |
| Incoterms / delivery | EXW, FOR or DAP for India. FOB or CIF for export when shipment scope is agreed. | Destination, packing, insurance, unloading and local taxes should be clear before PO release. |
| Payment terms | Advance against PI as standard. LC, project credit or 30-day terms only after approval. | Credit terms depend on onboarding, order history, value, material source and risk review. |
| Validity | Quote validity against price, exchange rate, source availability and document scope. | Nickel, cobalt and imported alloy pricing can move quickly; approve with validity in mind. |
| Geographic reach | Pan-India dispatch from the supply desk; export enquiries reviewed by destination and documentation. | Share delivery city, GST state, port or project site early to avoid freight revisions. |
Send these fields to reduce quote loops
A complete RFQ helps the team quote the right condition, document pack and delivery route instead of sending a generic alloy price.
Document controls that prevent receiving-stage disputes
For critical alloys, the certificate, heat number, marking and dispatch paperwork should tell the same material story.
Inspection planning
Client-nominated third-party inspection can be coordinated when specified in the RFQ or PO. Lloyd's, BV, DNV, TUV, IRS and other project agencies can be reviewed subject to scope, location, timing and charges.
Hold point discipline
TPI, testing and witnessing requirements should be closed before cutting, machining or dispatch. Late inspection additions can change cost, delivery and material eligibility.
Standard dispatch pack
- Tax invoice
- Packing list
- EN 10204 3.1 MTC when scoped
- Heat number and marking reference
- E-way bill where applicable
Before PO, specify
- PMI / hardness / NDE / ferrite
- Impact or corrosion testing
- COO or customer forms
- TPI witnessing and hold point
- Special packing or tagging
Certificate checks
- Grade, UNS and standard
- Heat number and source match
- Chemistry and mechanicals
- Condition and hardness
- PREN / ferrite for duplex grades
Documents for vendor-master creation
Share the active requirement first; the onboarding pack can then be issued to purchase, vendor master or accounts teams.
Company / tax
- GST details
- PAN details
- IEC details for import/export
- MSME / UDYAM where applicable
Bank / accounts
- Bank details
- Cancelled cheque or bank letter
- Payment term confirmation
- Billing and GST state mapping
Compliance
- ISO 9001:2015 certificate
- Capability brochure
- Company profile
- Customer vendor form review
Order documents
- Quotation / pro forma invoice
- Delivery and packing terms
- TPI / testing scope
- MSA or project terms review
What should be frozen before PO release
These are the points that usually cause procurement delays if they are left open until dispatch.
| Before PO | Freeze this | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Material identity | Grade, UNS, product form, size, condition and standard. | Prevents mismatch between RFQ, quote, PO and receiving inspection. |
| Documents | MTC, heat traceability, customer forms, COO and dispatch paperwork. | Documents requested after PO can affect source eligibility and delivery. |
| Testing / TPI | Agency, witness point, test method, acceptance criteria and charges. | Inspection needs scheduling and may require material to remain uncut or held. |
| Commercial closure | Payment, Incoterm, freight, packing, GST, validity and delivery city. | A clear quote basis helps accounts and purchase approve without rework. |
Send the RFQ on WhatsApp
Useful for urgent size checks, stock confirmation, document scope and quote-basis clarifications.
Download the capability brochure
Two-page overview for vendor onboarding, internal circulation and purchase review.