5 Things to Share Up Front to Get Suppliers to Respond Faster

If you’re trying to reshore production or shift business to suppliers in the U.S. or Mexico, you need a better approach than just blasting out RFQs. 

Local suppliers aren’t always hungry for your business. Many are busy and the good ones can be selective. They’re being inundated with Requests for Information and you need to sell them on your value as a customer. 

If your first contact is just a part print and a vague request for a quote, you’ll likely get ghosted—or quoted high.  That’s why you need to provide a mini-business case when you first reach out. 

Here are five things your mini-business case should cover: 

1. A Quick Company Intro 

Explain who you are in 1–2 sentences. Include your company size, product focus, and geographic footprint.  If your company name is not well known, share names of some of your big name customers. 

Example:
“We’re a U.S.-based manufacturer of electric vehicle battery enclosures with $500M in annual sales and three plants in the Midwest.  Major customers include ACME Corp, ABC Company, and XYZ Group.” 

2. Products or Parts Being Considered 

Describe what you’re sourcing—not just the part name or drawing number. Suppliers want context. Let them know how the part fits into the final assembly and what makes it unique or challenging. 

Example:
“We’re looking for a supplier for a powder-coated aluminum cover used in our battery tray assembly.” 

3. Volume and Spend 

Share the volume or estimated annual spend. If you’re considering a transition from overseas suppliers, include the total volume under review—not just a trial run. 

Example:
“We currently source 12M units annually from Asia, with an annual spend of $108M. We’re exploring a shift to a U.S.-based or Mexico-based supplier.” 

4. Strategic Reason for the Shift 

Make it clear this isn’t just a one-off quote request. Share why you’re looking at domestic or nearshore options—cost stability, lead time, risk, etc. 

Example:
“We’re pursuing local sourcing to increase USMCA-compliant content, reduce freight costs, and mitigate global supply risks.” 

5. Buyer Credibility and Timelines 

Suppliers need to know this is real. Mention any relevant program timelines, whether there’s already C-level support, and when decisions will be made. 

Example:
“This initiative is being led by our VP of Purchasing and reviewed monthly by our COO. We expect to make sourcing decisions in Q4.” 

Don’t send an RFQ with the first contact, ask them for a time to discuss their capabilities. Start the (potential) relationship with a conversation, not an assignment. 

In this conversation, be ready to answer any questions they have and have a list of key attributes that you’re looking for in a supplier partner – things like manufacturing capabilities, experience in relevant industries, quality systems, turnaround times, etc. 

Why It Works 

Local suppliers are overwhelmed with new customer opportunities.  A concise business case signals that you’re serious, you’re organized, and there’s real opportunity. 

It also gives them what they need to: 

• Decide if they’re a fit 
• Prioritize your request 
• Ask meaningful follow-up questions 
• Provide a realistic quote 

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