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Procurement Checklist (RFQ) for Aluminum Windows & Doors
Use this checklist to prepare a clear RFQ and shorten quoting time. It is designed for distributors, contractors, brand owners,
and project procurement buyers sourcing from a China-based manufacturer.
1) Project basics (must-have)
- Project location (country/state/city) and building type (residential / commercial / mixed-use).
- Quantity (number of units) and target shipping time window.
- Preferred incoterm (EXW / FOB / CIF / DDP) and destination port/city.
- Drawings: CAD/PDF with rough opening sizes, elevation, and operating direction.
- Target market: North America (important for configuration and documentation expectations).
Procurement Tip
The fastest quotes come from “drawing + performance targets + finish + hardware preference”. If any of these are unknown,
state your priority (e.g., cost-first vs performance-first).
2) Performance requirements (recommend including)
If you have a specification document, attach it. If not, tell us what matters most (energy, wind, water, sound, security).
Typical items to clarify:
- Thermal targets: preferred glazing (double/triple), thermal-break requirement (if any), climate zone expectations.
- Air/water performance: your target level or the standard used on the project.
- Wind load: high-rise or coastal projects should share design pressure requirement if available.
- Sound: if noise control is important, specify desired sound reduction target and room type (bedroom, street-facing, etc.).
- Safety/security: child safety, fall protection, multi-point locking requirements.
3) Product configuration (what to specify)
- Type: casement / sliding / tilt & turn / top-hung / doors (swing or sliding).
- Operation: inward or outward opening, left/right hinge, sliding direction, ventilation position.
- Glass: thickness, tempered/laminated, IGU build-up, Low-E, gas fill (if required), warm-edge spacer preference.
- Hardware: preferred brand/grade, handle style/color, multi-point locking, rollers (for sliders), restrictors.
- Screens: insect screen type (fixed, sliding, retractable) and mesh preference.
- Drainage: confirm if project requires visible weep holes or concealed drainage approach.
If you are unsure which type fits your project, see the guide:
Window Types & Selection Guide.
4) Finish, color and appearance
- Finish: anodizing / powder coating / fluorocarbon coating (if applicable on your spec).
- Color: RAL code or sample reference; confirm gloss level (matte / satin / gloss).
- Profile sightlines: if slim frame is important, mention it early (impacts system choice).
- Seamless welding: if you want premium joint appearance, request seamless welded sash/corners where available.
5) Packaging, labeling and shipping
- Packaging level: standard export packing vs enhanced protection for long transit.
- Labeling: unit ID, room name, floor, orientation, barcode/QR if needed.
- Palletization: pallet size limits, container loading preference, mixed SKUs rules.
- Documentation: packing list format, commercial invoice, certificate needs, customs marks.
6) Sampling and approval (recommended workflow)
- Confirm drawings and configuration list.
- Mold plan (if new profile needed) and sample schedule.
- Sample production and testing (as required by your spec).
- Buyer approval (photos/video + dimensional checks + functional checks).
- Mass production after sample sign-off.
Note: free sampling support and MOQ (500 kg) should be confirmed in the RFQ to avoid back-and-forth.