Introducing the RFQ (Request for Quotation) feature and how to receive global orders

1. Overview of Alibaba and the global B2B model

What is Alibaba?

• Alibaba is the world's largest B2B (Business to Business) e-commerce platform, connecting millions of suppliers and buyers from more than 200 countries.

• This is a platform that helps businesses, especially Vietnamese businesses, export through Alibaba without investing in infrastructure or offices abroad.

Alibaba Vietnam - a bridge connecting Vietnamese export businesses

• Alibaba Vietnam supports domestic businesses in opening stores, consulting on store openings, setting up SEO-standard product profiles, and promoting products globally.

• In addition, businesses are also instructed to use the RFQ (Request for Quotation) feature to receive orders from international buyers.

Understand the B2B model on Alibaba

• The B2B model on Alibaba operates based on businesses selling wholesale to businesses, not end consumers.

• Buyers on Alibaba are often distributors, traders, or international retail chains looking for quality goods at competitive prices.

2. What is RFQ (Request for Quotation)?

RFQ concept

RFQ stands for Request for Quotation, meaning Request for Quotation. This is an important feature on the Alibaba e-commerce platform, where buyers post specific requests about the products they want to buy (for example: type, quantity, material, delivery time...).

How RFQ works on Alibaba

The buyer posts a request form (RFQ) on the system. Suppliers (who have opened an Alibaba store) can view and send quotes directly to buyers. If the buyer finds it suitable, they will contact and create an order via the Alibaba platform.

Why is RFQ important for new businesses on Alibaba Vietnam?

Because RFQ helps suppliers proactively find business opportunities, instead of waiting for customers to come to the booth themselves. This is the fastest way to get your first order after opening an Alibaba store.

3. Benefits of using the RFQ feature on Alibaba

Reach global customers completely free of charge

As long as you are a Gold Supplier or Verified Supplier member, you can answer up to 20 RFQs/day. This helps Vietnamese businesses reach hundreds of potential international customers every week.

Opportunity to receive high quality orders

• RFQ comes from real buyers with real needs.

• Higher conversion rates than random views from search.

• Increase activity points and store reputation

• When you regularly respond to RFQs, the Alibaba algorithm will appreciate your store, helping your products show up better in search results.

• Learn how to negotiate and understand market needs

• Through RFQ, businesses can grasp price trends, popular product specifications, and international customer expectations.

4. Process of receiving orders via RFQ on Alibaba

Step 1:Register and open an Alibaba store

AccessAlibaba.com=> Register a business account => Choose the Gold Supplier package.

You can contact Alibaba Vietnam for advice on opening a professional store, SEO standards, and optimizing your company profile.

Step 2:Access the RFQ Market section

After opening the store, go to the “RFQ Market” section on the Alibaba Seller Center toolbar.

Here, you'll find thousands of updated purchase requests (RFQs) by industry.

Step 3:Filter RFQs appropriate to your industry

You can search for RFQs by product keywords, purchasing areas, or specific industries (for example: food, packaging, agricultural products, wood products, handicrafts...).

Alibaba also provides filters by order value, language, and RFQ posting date.

Step 4:Submit Quotation

When you see a suitable RFQ, click "Submit Quotation" and fill in the following information:

• Product price (in FOB or CIF units).

• MOQ (Minimum Quantity).

• Production time.

• Short description of the company and product.

• Illustrative images or videos (if any).

Tip: Use professional language, clearly showing you are a reputable manufacturer or exporter.

Step 5:Communicate directly with buyers

• If buyers are interested, they will text or send more detailed requests via Alibaba Chat.

• At this point, you can negotiate the price, payment method, and delivery terms.

Step 6:Complete orders via Trade Assurance

• To ensure safety, it is recommended to use Alibaba Trade Assurance, a system that protects transactions between two parties.

• After the customer pays, you proceed with production - delivery - and receive money through Alibaba.

5. Tips to help Vietnamese businesses increase the rate of receiving RFQ orders

Update company profile and full booth

Alibaba prioritizes displaying suppliers with complete records, including: business licenses, factory photos, and quality certificates.

Respond to RFQ quickly and professionally

• Buyers often choose suppliers that respond within the first 24 hours.

• Write a brief, professional quote that clearly shows you understand the customer's needs.

Offer many flexible prices

Apply tiered pricing (price based on quantity) to show customers that you have a flexible policy.

Use real photos and production videos

Help buyers trust you as a genuine supplier. Alibaba Vietnam often advises businesses to invest in 360-degree images or factory introduction videos.

Track RFQ trends

• Every week, Alibaba RFQ Market will display prominent search trends.

• Pay attention to industries that are growing rapidly to expand your export product portfolio.

• Thanks to advice on opening a booth from Alibaba Vietnam

• Alibaba Vietnam team has experience helping businesses optimize their stores, suggest ways to effectively respond to RFQs, and increase their chances of receiving international orders.

6. Conclusion

• The RFQ feature on Alibaba is a golden opportunity for Vietnamese businesses that want to quickly reach international customers and export through Alibaba.

• By understanding the B2B model of Alibaba's e-commerce platform, businesses can increase their global order receipt rate in just a few weeks.

• Start by opening a professional Alibaba booth, receive consultation on opening a booth from Alibaba Vietnam, and use RFQ intelligently - that's a solid start for the Vietnamese brand's global export journey.

ALIBABA VIETNAM COMPANY - EXPORT E-COMMERCE FLOOR

• Head office: 19th Floor, Saigon Center Building, No. 67 Le Loi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

• Email:  [email protected]

• Phone: (+84) 987 258 510

• Branch 1: 10th Floor, Becamex Tower, 230 Binh Duong Avenue, Thu Dau Mot, Binh Duong

• Branch 2: 9th Floor, TTC Plaza, Vo Thi Sau, Thong Thong Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai

• Branch 3: 123 Cong Hoa, Ward 12, Tan Binh, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam