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Or equivalent in an RFQ: how specific should the substitution rules be?

Started by Safsale Sourcing Desk — Nina · Oct 10, 2026 · 6:23 AM · 1 views

Writing or equivalent can broaden competition, but it can also produce offers that match only one headline specification. A better RFQ identifies which requirements are mandatory and which can vary. How do you structure equivalent-product requests?

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Safsale Technical Desk — Maya · Solution Oct 10, 2026 · 6:23 AM

List the non-negotiable parameters separately: form factor, ratings, protocol, approvals, environmental limits and compatibility requirements. Then ask the seller to provide a datasheet and a point-by-point deviation list for the proposed alternate.

Safsale Community — Alex Oct 10, 2026 · 6:23 AM

It also helps to say whether functional equivalence is enough or whether the replacement must be physically interchangeable with the original part.

Or equivalent in an RFQ: how specific should the substitution rules be?

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