RFQ PREPARATION GUIDE
What Information to Prepare Before Requesting a Perfume Packaging Quote
A practical checklist for giving a perfume packaging supplier enough information to evaluate bottle availability, component compatibility, decoration, boxes, samples and commercial terms.
Quick answer
Send the target capacity, estimated quantity, bottle or reference direction, required sprayer and cap, decoration, box needs, delivery destination and expected timing. State which details are confirmed and which are still open. A good request for quotation does not need to be technically perfect—it needs to make the buyer’s priorities and project stage clear.
The essential perfume packaging RFQ checklist
Format and capacity
Target fill volume, bottle reference, preferred shape, neck information and market positioning.
Estimated order volume
Quantity per design, color and capacity—not only the total across the project.
Sprayer, collar and cap
Material, color, finish and any reference images, while leaving final compatibility for confirmation.
Color and branding
Coating, frosting, printing, hot stamping, logo artwork and desired coverage.
Protection and presentation
Box type, insert direction, artwork status, retail needs and shipping protection.
Timing and destination
Sample deadline, target production timing, country or port and packing requirements.
1. Describe the product and target market
Explain whether the packaging is for a new fragrance launch, an existing line, wholesale distribution, filling operation, hotel amenity, gift set or another use. Market position and sales channel influence the appropriate bottle weight, decoration complexity and box presentation.
Helpful brief
- Target customer and country or region
- Indicative retail or wholesale position
- Preferred style: minimal, classic, luxury, natural, gender-neutral or another direction
- Any regulations, retail dimensions or filling-line constraints already known
2. Give quantity by option—not only a total
MOQ is affected by the bottle, component, color, decoration process and production arrangement. If a project needs 10,000 units split across five colors, the relevant quantity may be 2,000 units per color rather than 10,000 units for one specification. State every planned variation so the supplier can evaluate it correctly.
| Less useful | More useful |
|---|---|
| “Please quote 10,000 bottles.” | “10,000 units total: two bottle colors, 5,000 units per color, same cap and artwork.” |
| “I need a luxury bottle.” | “50 ml clear heavy-base bottle for a premium unisex fragrance; existing mold preferred.” |
| “Send your best price.” | “Please separate bottle, components, decoration, box, sample and packing costs where possible.” |
3. Separate confirmed requirements from preferences
Mark essential items as requirements and flexible items as preferences. For example, 50 ml capacity may be fixed while bottle shape and cap material remain open. This gives the supplier room to suggest existing options that improve availability or control MOQ.
4. Prepare references and artwork correctly
Reference images are useful for communicating proportion and visual direction, but they are not technical specifications. Explain what you like in each image: bottle shoulder, base thickness, cap material, color, logo position or box structure. For branding, provide vector artwork when available and name the color system used.
- AI, EPS, editable PDF or another agreed vector format
- Pantone or physical color reference when color accuracy matters
- Logo dimensions and preferred position
- Print, hot-stamp or coating coverage expectations
- Any legal copy, barcode or market-specific labeling
5. Ask for a clear quotation structure
A quotation is easier to compare when it identifies the product specification, quantity basis, included processing, packing method, sample terms, production estimate and quotation validity. Freight may be quoted separately because final carton dimensions and destination details are required.
Commercial points to confirm
- MOQ for each bottle, component, color and decoration
- Unit pricing and what it includes
- Sample type, cost and preparation time
- Estimated production time after approvals
- Export packing and carton information
- Payment terms, trade terms and quotation validity
Common RFQ mistakes
No quantity
Without an estimated volume, suppliers cannot assess feasible decoration routes or meaningful pricing.
Only one reference image
Explain which visual details matter and which can change; otherwise the request may be interpreted too narrowly.
Ignoring component fit
Ask for an assembled bottle, sprayer, collar and cap set instead of treating every item as independent.
Unrealistic timing
Allow time for option selection, samples, artwork approval, production and transport.
Designing around assumptions
Wait for confirmed dimensions before locking the box insert or print artwork.
Comparing price alone
Review specification, included processing, packing, tolerances and responsibility for compatibility.
Frequently asked questions
Can I request a quote before the design is finished?
Yes. Share the current direction and clearly identify open decisions. An initial budget range can be refined after the bottle, components and decoration are confirmed.
Why does the supplier ask for a destination?
Destination affects freight planning, export packing and sometimes documentation. Even when freight is not included, the information helps the supplier understand the commercial context.
Should I request samples before pricing?
An indicative quote can usually come first. Physical samples should be approved before bulk production and before structural box dimensions are finalized.
Ready to prepare your perfume packaging quotation?
Send the checklist information you already have. If some details are still open, ORVAELIS can help organize the next questions to confirm.