How to Write an RFQ Email to a Korean Manufacturer (With Template)

A practical guide to writing effective Request for Quotation (RFQ) emails to Korean manufacturers — with a copy-paste template, translation tips, and response-rate advice.

Why your RFQ email matters

Korean manufacturers receive hundreds of inquiry emails from international buyers each week. Vague, incomplete inquiries get deprioritized or ignored. A clear, structured RFQ signals that you're a serious buyer — and dramatically increases your response rate.

The anatomy of a good RFQ

A strong RFQ to a Korean manufacturer should include:

Buyer introduction — Who you are, where you're based, what you sell
Product specification — As specific as possible
Target quantity — Sample quantity and first order quantity
Packaging requirements — OEM label, bulk, standard packaging
Certifications required — MFDS, HACCP, KC, CE, FDA, etc.
Pricing request — Ex-factory (FOB) unit price at your target MOQ
Timeline — When you need samples, when you need first delivery
Clear question at the end — "Can you manufacture this product?"

Copy-paste RFQ template

Subject: RFQ — [Product Name] — [Your Company] — [Country]

Dear [Supplier Name] Team,

My name is [Your Name] from [Company Name], based in [Country].
We import [category] products and sell through [channel: e-commerce/retail/wholesale].

We are looking for a Korean manufacturer for the following product:

Product: [Specific product name]
Formulation/Spec: [Key specifications]
Packaging: [Container type, size, OEM label: Yes/No]
Certifications required: [e.g. MFDS, HACCP, KC, Vegan, HALAL]

Quantities:
- Sample: [Qty] units
- First order: [Qty] units
- Annual forecast: [Qty] units

Target price: USD [X.XX] per unit (ex-factory, FOB Busan/Incheon)
[Or: Please provide your best ex-factory price at the above quantities]

Timeline:
- Samples needed by: [Date]
- First order production: [Month/Year]

Questions:
1. Can you manufacture this product with the specifications above?
2. What is your standard lead time for samples and production?
3. Do you have [certification] certificates available?
4. What are your payment terms?

We look forward to your response.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Title], [Company]
[Email] | [Phone/WhatsApp]
[Website]

Tips for higher response rates

Send Monday–Wednesday Korean time (KST, UTC+9) — Korean business hours are 9am–6pm. Emails sent late Thursday or Friday often get delayed responses.
Keep it under 300 words — Long emails with attachments get deferred. The template above is intentionally concise.
WhatsApp or KakaoTalk ID — Including a messaging contact significantly increases response rates. Korean exporters often prefer quick messaging over email.
Mention your country prominently — Manufacturers want to know export regulations and logistics upfront. Buyers from EU, US, Australia, Japan get faster responses due to familiar export docs.
Follow up once after 5 business days — A single polite follow-up is appropriate and often effective.

Getting the RFQ pre-filled automatically

GloSource AI generates a customized RFQ draft for each supplier candidate it returns — pre-filled with the supplier name, platform, detected certifications, and your product specification. It's ready to edit and send, rather than starting from a blank template.