A complete float glass request for quotation (RFQ) should specify the glass type, thickness, dimensions, quantity, edge or processing requirements, quality expectations, packaging, delivery destination, and requested delivery schedule. Include drawings or a clearly marked schedule when sizes vary, and state whether dimensions refer to finished cut sizes or stock sheets. Also identify the project application and any required documentation so suppliers can assess the request accurately. The more precisely you define these points, the easier it is to compare quotes on the same basis.
Click here to get more.
Float glass is produced in continuous sheets, but a buyer may need stock sheets, cut-to-size pieces, or glass prepared for a later fabrication step. These are not interchangeable quote requests: size, thickness, handling, and processing can affect production planning and shipment arrangements. If essential details are missing, a supplier may need to make assumptions or request clarification before pricing. That can make it difficult to compare offers fairly.
A useful RFQ gives every supplier the same information and asks each to respond against the same requirements. It also creates a written reference for confirming the order. For a construction project, this is especially helpful when purchasing teams, fabricators, and site teams are working from separate schedules or drawings.
Identify the requested product as clear, tinted, or another specified float glass option, and explain where it will be used. For example, state whether the glass is intended as a building façade component, an interior partition, or feedstock for further processing. The application helps the supplier understand the context, but it does not replace technical requirements or project specifications. If the glass must meet a particular standard, name the standard and applicable edition rather than relying on a general phrase such as “construction grade.”
Also clarify whether you are buying annealed float glass as supplied or asking for a product that will undergo additional processing. Tempering, laminating, coating, or insulating-glass assembly are separate requirements and should be stated explicitly. Do not assume that a quote for basic float glass includes these operations.
Specify nominal thickness in millimeters, dimensions in millimeters or another clearly stated unit, and the required tolerance where the project documents define one. State whether dimensions are width by height and identify which edge is which if orientation matters. Make clear whether the quote should cover full stock sheets, cut pieces, or both. For mixed sizes, attach a numbered schedule rather than describing the order only in prose.
As an example of a clearly expressed line item, an RFQ could request “clear annealed float glass, 6 mm nominal thickness, 1,200 × 2,400 mm finished size, 200 pieces.” These figures are illustrative, not a recommendation or a guarantee of availability. Ask the supplier to confirm whether the requested size and tolerance can be produced and what assumptions apply to the stated thickness.
State the quantity for each thickness and size, not only a combined project total. If you expect repeat orders, show the initial quantity separately from the forecast quantity and indicate whether you want pricing for each release. Suppliers may quote by piece, area, sheet, or weight, so ask them to identify the pricing unit and how any yield or cutting assumptions are handled. A clear breakdown reduces the risk of comparing totals calculated on different bases.
For example, “500 pieces” is more useful when paired with the exact size and thickness for those pieces. If the quantity is an estimate, label it as such and request any minimum order quantity that may apply. Confirm whether the supplier’s quotation includes production loss, spare pieces, or only the net requested quantity.
Shanglin Glass Product Page
List every requested operation, such as cutting, edge grinding, holes, notches, or other fabrication. Include drawings with dimensions and positional references for non-standard shapes or features. If you require unprocessed sheets, say so directly. Ask the supplier to list any operation that is excluded from its quote so the buyer can avoid assuming it is included.
Describe visual or dimensional acceptance requirements by referring to the relevant project specification or agreed inspection criteria. If inspection records, a certificate, or other documents are needed, name them and confirm the format before placing the order. Avoid vague requirements such as “perfect quality” without a defined inspection basis, because different parties may interpret them differently.
Give the delivery destination, required arrival date or shipment window, and any site or warehouse restrictions that affect unloading. Request the proposed packaging method and explain whether the shipment needs export packing, identification labels, or a particular loading arrangement. State your preferred Incoterms rule and named place if known, or ask the supplier to quote specified alternatives. This makes the responsibilities for transport and handover easier to compare.
Ask the supplier to show the currency, payment terms, quotation validity period, estimated production time, and estimated transit time separately where possible. Lead times should be confirmed against the actual order details and current production schedule. If partial shipments are acceptable—or prohibited—include that instruction. A delivery date should not be treated as confirmed until it is agreed in the order documentation.
| RFQ item | What to provide |
|---|---|
| Product | Glass type, color or tint, and whether it is supplied as basic float glass or processed glass |
| Technical details | Nominal thickness, dimensions, units, tolerances, and drawings where applicable |
| Quantity | Piece or sheet count by size and thickness, plus any forecast or repeat-order requirement |
| Processing and quality | Edgework, holes, inspection criteria, applicable specifications, and requested documents |
| Shipment | Destination, packaging, delivery window, unloading constraints, and preferred trade terms |
| Quotation response | Price basis, exclusions, production and transit estimates, payment terms, and validity period |
When quotations arrive, first check whether each supplier has priced the same thickness, size, quantity, and processing scope. Record any deviations or assumptions in a comparison sheet rather than silently treating them as equivalent. Then compare commercial details such as price basis, packing, shipment terms, estimated schedule, and payment conditions. If a response omits a requirement, ask for written clarification before selecting a supplier.
It is also useful to ask suppliers to confirm which details remain subject to final drawing approval or production review. A supplier’s ability to identify an unclear specification can help prevent misunderstandings later, but it does not replace your own technical approval process. Keep the final approved schedule and quotation together with the purchase order.
At Shanglin Glass, we can review the information in your float glass inquiry and clarify details needed to prepare a relevant quotation. Send the product description, thickness, size schedule, quantities, processing requirements, destination, and target timing in one message where possible. If drawings or project specifications apply, include the relevant files or identify the exact requirements. We can then confirm the basis of our response and note any details that need further discussion.
When you are still finalizing specifications, state what is confirmed and what remains open. This helps keep preliminary pricing distinct from a firm order quotation. For mixed-size requirements, a spreadsheet or marked drawing is generally clearer than a long free-text description.
A float glass RFQ should include the glass type and application, thickness, dimensions and tolerances, quantity by item, processing and quality requirements, packaging, destination, delivery timing, and commercial terms. Add drawings or a size schedule whenever the order contains multiple formats or special features. Ask suppliers to state their pricing basis, assumptions, exclusions, and quotation validity so you can compare responses fairly. Prepare these details before contacting Shanglin Glass, and we can discuss the requirements needed for a clear quotation.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit What Should a Float Glass RFQ Include?.