The five things to send
- A reference. A drawing with dimensions, a catalogue code, or a physical sample. Photos alone leave length, jaw width and curve open to interpretation.
- Steel and finish. Name the grade (420, 440C, 316) and the finish (mirror, satin, black, gold). "Good quality" is not a specification.
- Marking. A vector logo (SVG, AI or PDF), where it goes, and the text to engrave beside it.
- Packaging. Poly bag, pouch, blister or printed box, and whether each piece needs a barcode label.
- Quantities. First order quantity per code and the expected reorder pattern. Pricing is tiered, so this changes the number you get back.
The two mistakes we see most
The first is approving a sample by photograph. Alignment, spring tension and edge sharpness cannot be judged from a picture; have the sample sent and test it. The second is changing the specification between the sample and the production order. If the box, the finish or the engraving changes, ask for a new sample before volume.
What you should get back
A written quote stating unit price by quantity, MOQ, lead time, Incoterm and payment terms, and a specification sheet that both sides sign off with the sample. That sheet is what every reorder is checked against.