What Should A New Bulk Bags RFQ Include?

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Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 2,000
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If you’re asking “What should a new bulk bags RFQ include?” you’re asking the question that separates buyers who get clean quotes… from buyers who get ten different interpretations of what they meant.

Because here’s what happens when your RFQ is vague:

  • Supplier A quotes a cheap bag that barely meets your needs.

  • Supplier B quotes a heavy-duty Cadillac bag you don’t need.

  • Supplier C includes a liner. Supplier D assumes no liner.

  • One quotes FOB. One quotes delivered. One buries freight.

  • Two quote 5:1 safety factor. One quotes 6:1.

  • All the pricing is “apples and oranges.”

Then you’re stuck trying to compare numbers that were never comparable in the first place.

So the purpose of a good RFQ isn’t just “get pricing.”

The purpose of a good RFQ is to force every supplier to quote the same bag build, the same terms, and the same assumptions.

That’s how you get real leverage.

First: what an RFQ is (and what it’s NOT)

An RFQ is not:

  • “Quote me a bulk bag”

  • “We need 2,000 FIBCs”

  • “Standard 1-ton bag please”

That’s how you get a “standard” bag that’s standard for them, not for you.

A real RFQ is:

  • a spec sheet + quantities + commercial terms + requirements

  • written so the supplier has nothing to guess

Because guessing is where you lose money.

The big rule: your RFQ must lock these 5 things

If you include nothing else, include these:

  1. Exact bag specification (dimensions, construction, spouts, loops, liner, etc.)

  2. Quantities (initial order + annual volume forecast)

  3. Quality/safety requirements (SWL, safety factor, certifications if required)

  4. Commercial terms (Incoterms, freight, payment terms, quote validity)

  5. Lead time + sampling requirements (pre-production sample, production timeline)

Now let’s build the complete “buyer-grade” RFQ checklist.

1) Buyer Information (so the supplier knows what game they’re playing)

Start with:

  • Company name

  • Ship-to location(s)

  • Contact info

  • Deadline for quote submission

  • Target delivery timeframe

Why it matters:

  • location impacts freight and feasibility

  • deadlines create urgency (suppliers respond faster when there’s a clock)

2) Application Summary (this is where you prevent wrong assumptions)

This is a short paragraph that answers:

  • what you’re filling

  • how you’re filling

  • how you’re discharging

  • any dust/moisture/cleanliness concerns

  • whether bags are one-trip or multi-trip

Suppliers build better bags when they understand the use case. This section prevents them from quoting something “technically correct” but operationally wrong.

Example details to include:

  • Product form: powder / granule / pellet / flake

  • Dust level: low / medium / high

  • Moisture sensitivity: yes/no

  • Fill method: spout fill station / open fill / manual

  • Discharge method: hopper clamp / dust boot / open discharge

  • Storage: indoor/outdoor, UV exposure, export or not

3) Bag Specifications (this is the core of the RFQ)

Your RFQ must include the bag spec or attach it as a spec sheet. Either way, it must be clear.

Minimum spec fields to include:

A) Finished bag size

  • Width x Depth x Height (W x D x H)

  • Capacity (if known)

B) SWL + Safety Factor

  • Safe Working Load (SWL)

  • Safety Factor (5:1 vs 6:1)

  • One-trip or multi-trip requirement

C) Bag construction

  • U-panel / 4-panel / circular / baffle

  • Fabric type (woven PP)

  • Coated/laminated yes/no

  • UV treatment yes/no (and duration expectation if relevant)

  • Color (white or other)

D) Top style

  • Fill spout top / duffle / skirt / open

  • If fill spout: diameter + length

  • Tie cords and flap cover yes/no

E) Bottom style

  • Discharge spout yes/no

  • If discharge spout: diameter + length

  • Closure style: single tie / double tie / iris valve

  • Flap cover yes/no

F) Loops

  • Loop style: cross-corner / corner / stevedore / tunnel lift

  • Loop length (and define how measured)

  • Reinforcements yes/no

G) Liners (if required)

  • Liner type: loose / form-fit

  • Liner material: PE

  • Thickness requirement (if you have it)

  • Liner spout alignment (top and bottom if applicable)

H) Dust/sift requirements

If you need it, say it.

  • Sift-proof yes/no

  • Dust-tight yes/no

  • Dust control during filling/discharge yes/no

  • Preferred options (liner, lamination, seam strategy, iris valve, etc.)

The more dust-sensitive your product, the more you should lock this down.

4) Quantities + Forecast (this is where you get better pricing)

Most buyers only state the initial order. That’s a mistake.

Suppliers price differently when they believe you’ll reorder.

Include:

  • Initial order quantity (example: 2,000 bags)

  • Monthly or quarterly forecast (if applicable)

  • Annual estimated volume

  • Whether you want pricing breaks at different quantities

If you want aggressive pricing, request tier pricing:

  • 2,000 units

  • 5,000 units

  • 10,000 units

  • 25,000 units

This forces suppliers to show their real curve.

5) Sampling and approval requirements (prevents “surprises”)

If you don’t require a pre-production sample, you’re gambling.

Include:

  • Whether you require a pre-production sample

  • Whether you require a production sample

  • Whether you require photos/videos of testing or build features

  • What counts as approval (written approval required, etc.)

Also include:

  • any testing expectations if you have them (or ask the supplier what tests they provide)

This is where you stop the “looks good on paper” problem.

6) Quality requirements and documentation (only include what you actually need)

Depending on your environment, you may need:

  • Certificates of conformance

  • Traceability (lot/batch)

  • Test reports

  • Documentation for SWL, safety factor, etc.

If you don’t need strict documentation, don’t overcomplicate it.

But if you do need it, include it in the RFQ because it affects:

  • supplier selection,

  • price,

  • and lead time.

7) Packaging requirements (buyers forget this and regret it)

If you want clean receiving and predictable handling, specify:

  • bags per bale

  • bales per pallet

  • pallet type

  • pallet labeling

  • stretch wrap

  • moisture protection (if shipping in humid conditions)

This also helps you compare quotes fairly, because packaging affects freight density.

8) Delivery terms (this is where quotes become comparable)

You want to force the supplier to quote on the same basis.

Include:

  • Ship-to address (city/state/zip)

  • Incoterms requested (FOB / CIF / Delivered, etc.)

  • Whether freight should be included or itemized

  • Desired delivery window

And request:

  • unit price

  • extended price

  • estimated freight (if applicable)

  • lead time to ship

If you don’t lock the terms, suppliers will hide margin in freight or quote in different formats.

9) Payment terms + quote validity

Include:

  • requested payment terms (or ask for their standard)

  • quote validity period (example: “Quote valid for 30 days”)

  • currency (USD)

  • any required supplier onboarding info

This prevents “pricing changed” issues after you’ve already invested time.

10) The “comparison trap” section: questions that expose weak suppliers

Here are RFQ questions that instantly separate pros from pretenders:

  • What is your standard lead time and rush lead time?

  • What QC checks are performed during production?

  • What is your claim process if bags arrive defective?

  • What are your tolerances on finished bag dimensions?

  • Can you provide references for similar products/applications?

  • What is your recommended bag build for dust control given this product? (They should give a real answer, not fluff.)

These questions don’t just get you info. They show you who’s serious.

Call or Text us at 832.400.1394 for a Quote!

A complete RFQ template you can copy/paste

Here’s a simple template you can use today:

Subject: RFQ – New Bulk Bags (FIBCs) – [Product/Application] – Qty [X]

Hello,
Please provide a quote for the bulk bag specification below. Include unit pricing, lead time, freight terms, and any MOQ requirements.

Company/Buyer: ______
Ship To: ______
Quote Due By: ______
Desired Delivery: ______

Application Summary:

  • Product: ______ (powder/granule/pellet)

  • Dust level: low/medium/high

  • Fill method: ______

  • Discharge method: ______

  • Storage: indoor/outdoor/export (if applicable)

  • One-trip or multi-trip: ______

Bag Specification:

  • Finished bag size (W x D x H): ______

  • SWL: ______

  • Safety Factor: ______

  • Construction: U-panel / 4-panel / circular / baffle

  • Fabric: woven PP

  • Laminated/coated: Y/N

  • UV treated: Y/N

  • Color: ______

Top:

  • Style: fill spout / duffle / skirt / open

  • If fill spout: diameter ______ | length ______ | tie cords Y/N | cover flap Y/N

Bottom:

  • Style: flat / discharge spout

  • If discharge spout: diameter ______ | length ______

  • Closure: single tie / double tie / iris valve

  • Cover flap: Y/N

Loops:

  • Style: cross-corner / corner / stevedore / tunnel lift

  • Loop length: ______ (define method)

Liner: Y/N

  • Type: loose / form-fit

  • Material: PE

  • Thickness: ______

  • Liner spouts: top Y/N, bottom Y/N (sizes ______)

Dust/Sift Requirements:

  • Sift-proof: Y/N

  • Dust-tight: Y/N

Quantity Requested:

  • Initial order: ______

  • Price breaks requested at: ______ (optional)

  • Annual forecast: ______

Packaging Requirements:

  • Bags per bale: ______

  • Bales per pallet: ______

  • Pallet labeling: ______

Commercial Terms:

  • Quote terms: FOB / Delivered / other ______

  • Freight: included or itemized

  • Payment terms: ______

  • Quote valid for: ______ days

Sampling:

  • Pre-production sample required: Y/N

  • Approval required prior to production: Y/N

Please confirm receipt and advise any questions or recommendations to improve dust control / performance for this application.

Thank you,
[Name]
[Phone]
[Company]

That’s a clean RFQ. That gets clean quotes.

Bottom line

A strong bulk bag RFQ includes:

  • a clear bag spec (dimensions, SWL, construction, spouts, loops, liners)

  • the actual use case (product, dust level, fill/discharge method)

  • quantities + annual forecast + price breaks

  • sampling and approval requirements

  • packaging details

  • delivery terms and payment terms

  • and a few “supplier quality” questions that expose who’s legit

If you want, tell me your exact application (product type + fill/discharge setup + desired SWL + dust requirements) and I’ll draft a ready-to-send RFQ tailored to your new bulk bag order.

Call or Text us at 832.400.1394 for a Quote!

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