Purchasing & Procure-to-Pay

Request for Quotation (RFQ)

Also known as: RFQ

A request for quotation (RFQ) is a document a buyer sends to suppliers asking them to price a clearly defined list of goods or services.

An RFQ is used when the requirement is well specified and the main variable is price. It lists items, quantities, specifications and commercial terms so suppliers quote on a like-for-like basis, making the responses directly comparable. RFQs suit repeat purchases and standard goods.

Where the requirement is more complex or the best solution is not yet defined, buyers use a request for proposal (RFP) instead, which invites suppliers to propose an approach. A clear, standardised RFQ speeds up evaluation and reduces back-and-forth chasing missing details.

Frequently asked questions

What is an RFQ?
A request for quotation (RFQ) is a document asking suppliers to price a defined list of goods or services, so the buyer can compare quotes on a like-for-like basis.
What is the difference between an RFQ and an RFP?
An RFQ is used when the requirement is well defined and price is the main variable. An RFP is used for complex needs where you want suppliers to propose a solution, not just a price.

Explore related across the knowledge graph

GlossaryReverse AuctionA reverse auction is a competitive event where pre-qualified suppliers bid the price down in real time to win a buyer's business.GuideERP integrationConnecting the procurement channel to the ERP so requisitions, orders and invoices flow between systems without manual re-keying.GuideProcure-to-payThe operational cycle that turns an approved need into a purchase order, a delivery, a matched invoice and a payment.SolutionE-Procurement Platform in MalaysiaWhat an e-procurement platform is, a capability checklist to evaluate one — catalogue, approvals, budget controls, three-way matching, punchout — how rollouts work, and where Lapasar fits.SolutionProcure-to-Pay Software in MalaysiaProcure-to-pay software for Malaysia — one connected flow from requisition to payment, with approvals, three-way matching, credit terms for buyers and early payments for suppliers.SolutionProcurement Automation Software in MalaysiaAutomate purchasing in Malaysia — replace manual requisitions, email approvals and spreadsheet reconciliation with AI-driven workflows for categorisation, GL coding, price benchmarking and matching.ToolFree Procurement Tools & TemplatesEvery Lapasar procurement calculator plus editable RFQ, purchase order, policy and evaluation templates.TemplateProcurement SOP TemplateAn editable Word and PDF standard operating procedure covering the buying process from requisition to payment.ComparisonLapasar vs e-procurement softwareLapasar and e-procurement software compared: an operating Malaysian marketplace versus workflow software for requisitions, approvals and purchase orders.ResearchThe Hidden Cost of Manual Procurement in Malaysian EnterprisesWhat manual purchase orders really cost Malaysian enterprises — USD 30–506 per PO, millions in hidden overhead, and new Government Procurement Act 2025 exposure.GlossaryAccrualsAccruals are accounting entries that recognise expenses which have been incurred but not yet invoiced, so costs appear in the correct period.GlossaryApproval WorkflowAn approval workflow is the defined sequence of authorisations a purchase must pass through before it can proceed, based on rules such as value or category.GuideCatalogue managementCurating the products, prices and data buyers order from — the foundation that makes catalogue and marketplace buying fast, accurate and compliant.ToolCost per Purchase Order CalculatorFind out what each purchase order costs you to process.ToolE-Procurement ROI CalculatorModel the net benefit and payback period of an e-procurement rollout.

Put procurement theory into practice

Talk to our team about wholesale pricing, credit terms, sourcing support and delivery across Peninsular Malaysia — or explore the marketplace built for Malaysian enterprises.

Prefer to talk to a real person?

Our team replies fast on WhatsApp and email — no forms, no waiting.