The PCBA Quote Request (RFQ) Checklist for Accurate & Fast Pricing

Streamline your PCBA sourcing. Download our free, comprehensive RFQ checklist to ensure you provide all necessary files & info for an accurate, fast, and comparable quote from your supplier.

The Ultimate Checklist for Your PCBA Quote Request (RFQ)

Are you tired of submitting PCBA quote requests only to face a barrage of follow-up questions, delaying your project timeline? You're not alone. The single biggest hurdle to receiving a fast, accurate, and comparable PCBA quote is an incomplete RFQ.

we process thousands of RFQs annually, and we see the same pattern: well-intentioned requests stalled by missing information. A complete RFQ from the start is the key to unlocking a smooth and efficient sourcing process.

To solve this, we've created the ultimate PCBA RFQ checklist. Use this guide—and download our free PDF version—to optimize your next inquiry, ensure you get the accurate pricing you need, and accelerate your time-to-market.

Why a Complete PCBA RFQ Checklist Matters

Submitting an incomplete RFQ doesn't just slow things down; it leads to inaccurate quotes. Without a complete picture, suppliers must make assumptions. These assumptions can result in:

• Price Revisions: The initial quote becomes invalid once full details are provided.

• Timeline Delays: Every email exchange for missing data adds days to the process.

• Manufacturability Issues: Critical design flaws might be missed without all the documentation.

A comprehensive checklist ensures you are comparing "apples to apples" across different suppliers and establishes you as a professional, prepared partner.

Your Ultimate PCBA Quote Request Checklist

Copy and paste this list for your next RFQ, or download the free PDF at the bottom of this page for easy reuse.

Part 1: Essential Documentation (The "Must-Haves")

These files form the core of your request. Without them, a manufacturer cannot provide a meaningful quote.

• ✅ Gerber Files (X2 or ODB++ Preferred):

  • The digital blueprint of your PCB. Ensure all layers are included (copper, solder mask, silkscreen, paste, drill files).

  • Pro Tip: ODB++ format provides more intelligent data and is less prone to human error than standard Gerber.

• ✅ Bill of Materials (BOM):

  • A complete spreadsheet with all components. Must include:

    • Part Number: Manufacturer's full MPN.

    • Description: Component value, tolerance, package.

    • Quantity: Per board.

    • Designator: (e.g., R1, C5, U3).

    • Supplier / Supplier Part Number: (Optional but helpful).

• ✅ Pick and Place File (Centroid File):

  • A file specifying the X, Y, and rotation coordinates of every surface-mount component. This is crucial for assembly pricing.

• ✅ Assembly Drawings:

  • A PDF drawing highlighting the top and bottom views of the board, specifying component orientation, and calling out any special instructions.

Part 2: Critical Project Information

The documents tell the "what," but this information tells the "how" and "how many." This directly impacts cost and lead time.

• ✅ Target Annual/Project Quantities:

  • Be specific (e.g., 5,000 units for the first batch, estimated 50,000 units annually). Volume pricing tiers are significant.

• ✅ Desired Lead Time:

  • What is your target for prototype and/or production delivery? This affects component sourcing and production scheduling.

• ✅ Testing & Quality Requirements:

  • In-Circuit Test (ICT)? Do you have a test fixture file?

  • Flying Probe Test?

  • Functional Test (FCT)? Provide the test procedure or specifications.

  • Acceptance Quality Level (AQL): What is your acceptable defect rate?

• ✅ PCB Specifications:

  • Material: (e.g., FR-4, High-Tg, Rogers).

  • Layer Count: Total number of copper layers.

  • Board Finish: (e.g., ENIG, HASL, Immersion Silver, ENEPIG).

  • Board Thickness: (e.g., 1.6mm, or a rigid-flex stackup).

Part 3: Advanced Requirements & Certifications

For more complex or regulated projects, this information is non-negotiable.

• ✅ Compliance & Certification Requirements:

  • Does the assembly facility need to be certified? (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 13485, IPC-A-610 Class 2/3).

  • Will the final product require certifications? (e.g., UL, CE, RoHS).

• ✅ Component Sourcing Model:

  • Turnkey: We procure all components. (Preferred for simplicity).

  • Consigned: You provide some or all components.

  • Partial Turnkey: A combination. Specify which parts are consigned.

• ✅ Special Requirements:

  • Conformal Coating? Type and masking requirements?

  • Box-Build/System Integration?

  • Programming & Software Loading?

Download Your Free, Printable PCBA RFQ Checklist

We've turned this guide into a clean, one-page PDF document. Keep it on your desk or share it with your team to ensure every RFQ you send is complete.

Ready for a Fast, Accurate, and Hassle-Free Quote?

You've done the hard work of designing your board. Let us make the quoting process the easiest part.

By providing the information on this checklist, you empower us to deliver a firm, accurate, and competitive PCBA quote within 48 hours—aIf you have specific procurement intentions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us at sales03@sunsoartech.com or call +8613632793113., we don't just build boards; we build partnerships based on clarity, efficiency, and success.