Wholesale Cars from China: RFQ and Quote Request Template
A car RFQ, or request for quotation, gives suppliers one order to price. State the model and trim, quantity, destination port, delivery terms and required documents. For wholesale cars from China, separate the first firm order from any possible later volume.
Copy this RFQ template
Subject: Vehicle quote request for [destination country] Model and exact trim: [model, year, version, powertrain] Quantity by model: [units] Vehicle type: [new or used] Acceptable alternatives: [versions, colors, equipment] Used car limits: [first registration, mileage, condition] Destination: [country, port or border, onward delivery if needed] Quote basis: [Incoterms® 2020 rule and named place] Requested handover: [target window, must-have documents] Inspection: [VIN evidence and checks required] Please confirm the seller, available quantity or sourcing status, price per unit, currency, quote validity, charges included and excluded, payment milestones, estimated handover and support scope.
Ask for a usable supplier response
| Line | Response to request |
|---|---|
| Vehicle and quantity | Exact trim, model year, equipment and quantity by version. Ask which details remain subject to confirmation. |
| Delivery basis | Named place, included services, freight or insurance where applicable, and destination costs left to the buyer. |
| Used vehicle evidence | VIN-linked photos, first registration, mileage and agreed inspection evidence for each proposed unit. |
| Schedule and payment | Offer expiry, estimated handover, payee and the evidence due before each payment. |
Compare the same order before choosing
If one quote allows a substitution and the other names an exact trim, price them after agreeing an acceptable version. When a supplier quotes a cheaper port or route, ask for the cost to the original handover point before comparing the totals.
Describe the batch a supplier can actually quote
When requesting wholesale cars from China, split the required quantity by exact model and version. State which colors, equipment and alternatives you will accept. Give each supplier the same destination and target handover window. If the quantity is provisional, say what your first order needs and what is only a later possibility.
Ask the China car exporter to identify the contracting seller, exporter of record and the role it will perform. Request a response that distinguishes units currently identified from cars still to be sourced. A showroom photograph or catalog entry does not establish stock for the quantity you need.
For used cars, provide limits for registration age, mileage and condition. Ask for a proposed VIN list and records for each unit. For EVs, include charging compatibility and the battery evidence required; “electric” by itself is not a complete purchasing specification.
Put the destination and delivery point in the first request
Name the importer and intended use, then include the destination port and any inland delivery. Set the inspection requirements and payment terms you want suppliers to respond to. A target price should state the currency and whether it covers the vehicle only or the full destination cost.
For EXW, FOB and CIF alternatives, request separate prices with their named places and quote validity. Keep the vehicle specification unchanged between options. Establish the minimum order quantity for that particular version and availability; a batch price does not automatically apply to one car.
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Questions about wholesale car quote requests
Is there a standard minimum order quantity?
Request the minimum quantity and pricing basis for the particular model, availability and shipment. Do not assume that a price shown for a batch applies to one car. Separate a proposed first order from a possible future volume.
Should I include a budget in the RFQ?
State the currency and whether the budget is for the vehicle only or the full cost at destination. Ask the supplier to quote the requested specification and identify alternatives separately. This keeps a lower price from silently changing the car or service scope.
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Discuss your vehicle order
Share the model, quantity and destination so we can discuss sourcing and delivery options.