Step ３／６
Quotation and Proposal
Building Trust with Transparency, Precision, and Professionalism
Process Overviews 3 Quotation and Proposal
Once technical feasibility is confirmed, the next step is the "Quotation and Proposal." This phase is about more than just numbers; it's about building trust. For custom high-precision aluminum parts involving forging and CNC machining, the quote is a complex calculation of materials, processing, tooling, quality assurance, and logistics. Al Forge Tech is committed to a principle of being "transparent, traceable, and reasonable," providing a comprehensive quote structure and a detailed solution to help clients make the best decision.
A Pre-Quote Preparation: Integrating Technical and Cost Data
（1）Detailed Cost Breakdown
Our engineering and quoting teams break down the entire production process into clear cost items:
- Packaging & Logistics (in-house packaging design, export wooden crates, freight)
- Quality Inspection Costs (e.g., CMM measurement, report preparation)
- Tooling & Mold Costs (amortized or full payment if a new mold is needed)
- Heat Treatment Costs (e.g., T6 heat treatment, aging treatment)
- Surface Treatment Costs (Anodizing, sandblasting, coating, etc.)
- CNC Machining Costs (based on machining time, tool wear, machine energy consumption)
- Blank Manufacturing Costs (Forging, die-casting, extrusion, etc.)
- Raw Material Costs (based on actual unit weight and current material prices)
Each cost item will have a clear basis and explanation to avoid price ambiguity or disputes.
（2）Volume and Batch Size Impact
Our quotes provide tiered pricing based on different order quantities (e.g., MOQ, annual demand, batch size). For example:
- The unit price for 100 pieces will differ significantly from 10,000 pieces.
- A more favorable price can be obtained by accepting batch production and consolidated packaging.
- If production reaches a stable annual volume, tooling costs can be amortized or waived.
These strategies allow us to offer more flexible cooperation plans.
B Tooling, Jigs, and Fixtures: Design and Quotation
（1）Mold Design and Cost Estimation
If a new forging mold is required, we provide a preliminary design concept, including:
- Upper/lower mold structure and material selection
- Estimated mold lifespan (e.g., 100,000 cycles, 500,000 cycles)
- Cooling channel design and deformation control methods
- Mold maintenance and repair mechanisms
- Based on mold complexity and lifespan, the quote will list one-time fees, installment plans, and even mold return conditions.
（2）CNC Jig and Fixture Development
For parts requiring high-precision positioning, double-sided machining, or angle control, we design custom jigs and fixtures to ensure accuracy and efficiency, with the costs clearly itemized in the quote.
C The Formal Quote and Multi-Tier Proposals
（1）What Our Formal Quotation Includes
Our quotation includes:
- Product name and version code
- Itemized cost breakdown by quantity
- Incoterms (FOB/CIF/EXW, etc.)
- Payment terms (TT, LC, installments, etc.)
- Estimated lead times (sample/mass production)
- Costs for tooling, fixtures, or inspection gauges (if any)
- Validity period and price adjustment clauses
- Additional services (reports, packaging, certificates, etc.)
The quotation document is double-checked by the sales and technical managers before being sent to ensure accuracy and professionalism.
（2）Multi-Tier Proposal Strategy
For high-value clients or those with budget constraints, we can offer multiple options:
- Economy Version: Retains key functions but uses more cost-effective materials or simplified designs.
- Standard Version: Meets all primary performance requirements and is our most popular option.
- Premium Version: Upgrades materials, precision tolerances, or treatments for high-end applications.
This strategy allows clients to choose based on budget, application, and risk, rather than being limited to a single option.
D Technical Solution Documents and Sampling Plan
（1）Solution Explanations and 3D Visual Aids
To help clients better understand our proposal, we provide concise visual materials, such as:
- Screenshots from 3D machining simulations
- Process flow diagrams
- A PDF presentation of the manufacturing process
- Explanation of inspection methods for critical dimensions
If assembly or mating parts are involved, we will also simulate the assembly effect or provide test diagrams.
（2）Sample Production and Costing
The quotation will also outline the costs for producing different types of samples:
- Prototype (for early testing or review)
- Engineering Sample (with mass production-level quality)
- Confirmation Sample (to serve as the mass production standard)
We promise that necessary modifications and adjustments can be made during the sampling stage to ensure the product meets standards.
E Certification and Quality Assurance Statement
（1）Quality System Guarantee Documents
Our quotes clearly state that Al Forge Tech is certified under:
- ISO 14001: Environmental Management System
- IATF 16949: Automotive Quality Management System
We can also provide the following documents (based on client requirements):
- Material Test Certificate (MTC)
- First Article Inspection (FAI) Report
- Measurement Equipment Calibration Certificates
- In-process Inspection Records
- Batch Shipment History and Tracking Code
（2） After-Sales and Liability Guarantee Clauses
We also clearly define how quality disputes are handled, including:
- The period for returning defective products (usually within 30 days of delivery)
- Responsibility and remedies for issues like wrong materials or incorrect dimensions
- The scope of technical support and free assistance during the warranty period
These clauses make the partnership more stable and risks more manageable.
Pre-Quote Preparation: Integrating Technical and Cost Data
At Al Forge Tech, a quote is more than a number; it's a comprehensive demonstration of our design thinking, manufacturing capabilities, quality control, and business integrity. We are committed to providing understandable, communicable, and predictable proposals, allowing clients to feel our professionalism and dedication from the very first document. For us, price is just the result; value is the key.