RFQ Criteria
RFQ criteria are the factors buyers use to evaluate quotes. See the common criteria, example scoring, and how to win on them.
What are RFQ criteria?
RFQ criteria are the factors a buyer uses to evaluate and compare quotes in a Request for Quotation. Price is usually the leading criterion, but most buyers also weigh lead time, quality, compliance, and terms. The criteria decide which quote wins, so vendors should read them before pricing.
Because an RFQ is used when the requirement is already defined, evaluation leans heavily on price. But "lowest price" and "best value" are different tests, and knowing which one the buyer is using changes how you quote.
How RFQ evaluation differs from RFP evaluation
The two are scored differently, and the difference matters.
For a full breakdown of the wider evaluation, see our guide to RFP evaluation criteria and scoring.
Common RFQ evaluation criteria
Even when price leads, most RFQs weigh several factors.
Example RFQ scoring
When an RFQ is scored on more than price, buyers use a weighted model. A common example:
The weighting tells you where to compete. If price is 50% and lead time is 20%, a faster delivery can offset a slightly higher price.
How buyers evaluate quotes
Most buyers follow the same steps: check each quote for compliance first, remove any that miss a mandatory requirement, then score the compliant quotes against the criteria, and award to the highest score or the lowest compliant price. A quote that is cheapest but non-compliant does not win, which is why compliance is the first gate.
How vendors win on RFQ criteria
Read the criteria before you quote, then compete where the points are.
- Confirm you are compliant first. A non-compliant quote is removed before price is even compared.
- Quote to the evaluation basis. If it is lowest price, sharpen the number. If it is best value, lead with quality and delivery.
- Differentiate beyond price. Faster lead time, better terms, and proven reliability can outweigh a small price gap.
- Make the quote easy to score. Match the requested format so the buyer can compare you cleanly.
Running a go/no-go decision first helps you focus effort on quotes you can win. The RFQ process guide covers the full response.
Win more RFQ deals 2x faster
Winning on RFQ criteria starts with meeting every requirement, which is where quotes are lost. Inventive AI is an autonomous AI agent platform that makes compliance and speed built-in:
- Extracts every requirement and criterion from the RFQ, so you can see exactly what you are being scored on.
- Checks the response for compliance before submission. The Full Response Analyzer flags any missed requirement that would remove your quote.
- Drafts the non-pricing answers fast, so your team competes on lead time, terms, and price instead of paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do pricing criteria influence the RFQ process?
Pricing criteria go beyond the base price, considering total cost of ownership, ongoing support, maintenance, and additional fees. This ensures buyers get the best overall value.
Why is vendor experience so important in RFQ criteria?
Vendor experience indicates their ability to handle similar projects successfully. Reviewing past performance, case studies, and customer references helps assess their expertise and reliability.
What are RFQ criteria?
RFQ criteria are the factors a buyer uses to evaluate and compare quotes in a Request for Quotation. Price usually leads, but most buyers also weigh lead time, quality, compliance, and terms.
Is an RFQ always awarded on lowest price?
Not always. Many RFQs use a weighted model that scores lead time, quality, and terms alongside price. Read the evaluation basis to know which test applies.
What are common RFQ evaluation criteria?
Price, lead time, quality and specification match, compliance, terms, and vendor capacity and reliability.
How do you win an RFQ on criteria other than price?
Confirm compliance first, then compete on lead time, quality, terms, and reliability where the evaluation weights them. In a best-value RFQ, these can outweigh a small price gap.