A hose quotation is only useful when you know what it includes. Two suppliers may quote the same nominal diameter but offer different constructions, coil lengths, packaging or delivery terms. Comparing the headline price alone can hide those differences until the order reaches your warehouse.
For importers and distributors, a clear request for quotation creates a common basis for evaluating suppliers. It also gives the supplier enough information to identify questions before production begins.
1. Describe the service before naming a product
Start with the application and conveyed medium. Explain whether the hose is intended for suction, discharge or another defined service, and provide the operating temperature and pressure or vacuum requirements. If some conditions are unknown, identify them as open questions rather than leaving the supplier to assume them.
A request for “blue water hose” leaves room for interpretation. A request identifying the water-transfer application, required diameter, service conditions and order quantity gives the supplier a more useful starting point. Colour can be specified separately from performance.
For product-family information, see SUNHOSE's PVC hose range:
Explore PVC hose products
2. Make each requested variant a separate line
Use one line for each combination of diameter, construction, length and packaging. Ask the supplier to return its proposed product code against that line. This makes substitutions visible and helps your purchasing team connect the quotation to the eventual purchase order.
A practical RFQ line includes:
• Your item reference and intended application.
• Required inner diameter and any agreed dimensional tolerances.
• Required operating conditions and applicable specification.
• Coil or assembly length, quantity of units and total length.
• Colour, printing, labelling and packaging requirements.
• Whether fittings are included and which connection details need confirmation.
Do not treat “standard duty” or “heavy duty” as a complete specification. Ask for the proposed model's current data sheet and the conditions attached to its ratings.
3. Separate technical acceptance from commercial terms
Ask the supplier to identify compliance with each requested requirement and explain deviations. A simple response format is “confirmed,” “alternative proposed” or “information required.” This prevents a technically different offer from appearing equivalent just because the price is attractive.
Then request the commercial details separately: quotation currency, price unit, minimum order by variant, quotation validity, sample arrangements, payment terms and the proposed production schedule. These are questions to resolve, not assumptions about any supplier's standard policy.
For delivery, state the intended destination and ask for the named place or port and the applicable delivery rule and edition. Request a clear list of included and excluded charges so your team can compare quotations on the same basis.
4. Request evidence matched to the purchase
If your market or application requires particular documentation, name it in the RFQ. Ask whether supporting documents apply to the exact material, construction and item being offered. A general brochure should not replace product-specific evidence.
Agree what information must accompany the shipment, such as item references, quantities, package identification and any required inspection records. Where sample approval is needed, define what the sample must demonstrate and how the approved version will be identified.
5. Use a short, structured inquiry
Copy and adapt this message:
“We are sourcing hose for [application] in [destination market]. Please quote the attached item list and identify the proposed product code and current data sheet for each line. Operating conditions are [medium, temperature, pressure/vacuum]. Quantities are [units and total length], with [coil length, printing and packaging]. Please list technical deviations, minimum quantities, sample arrangements, proposed schedule and the delivery basis with included and excluded charges.”
Before accepting an offer, resolve every exception that could affect suitability or cost. The result should be an agreed specification and a comparable commercial offer, not simply a price per metre.
Ready to prepare your inquiry? Send SUNHOSE your application, item list, quantities and destination market for specification review and a quotation basis:
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