How to Write a Steel Enquiry That Gets an Accurate Quote Fast

Most delays in steel procurement happen before the quotation, not after it. An enquiry that says "need SS pipe 2 inch, 100 pcs, urgent" will get a question back, or worse, a price for the wrong thing. An enquiry that states the specification completely gets a correct quotation, often the same day.

The checklist

1. Product: pipe, tube, flange, elbow, tee, plate, stud bolt, gasket.
2. Standard and grade: for example ASTM A312 TP316L, ASTM A105, ASTM A234 WPB. The grade alone is not enough, because the same grade appears in several standards.
3. Size: nominal size (NPS or DN) for pipe and fittings; thickness, width and length for plate.
4. Wall thickness or schedule: SCH 40, SCH 80, or the wall in millimetres.
5. Type and details: seamless or welded; for flanges the type, class and facing; for elbows the angle and radius.
6. Ends: plain, bevelled or threaded.
7. Length: random length, double random, or cut lengths.
8. Quantity: in metres, pieces or kilograms, and say which.
9. Documents: the certificate type (EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2), and anything else such as test reports or a manufacturer's record book.
10. Testing: PMI, hydro test, impact test, intergranular corrosion test, third-party inspection.
11. Delivery: where, by when, and the Incoterm for export.
12. Packing: any project packing specification.

A worked example

Instead of:

Need SS 316 pipe 2 inch 100 nos and flanges.

Send:

1. Pipe, ASTM A312 TP316L seamless, 2 inch NPS SCH 40S, plain bevelled ends, 6 m random lengths, 120 m.
2. Weld neck flange, ASME B16.5, ASTM A182 F316L, 2 inch Class 150 RF, bore to SCH 40S, 20 pcs.
Certificates EN 10204 3.1. PMI on 100% of items. Delivery to Navi Mumbai within 3 weeks.

The second enquiry can be quoted exactly. It also protects the buyer: when the quotation repeats the same specification back, both sides have agreed on precisely what will be delivered.

Attach what you have

A bill of materials, a drawing, or a line list is often quicker than typing everything out. Send it as it is; we will read the specification off it and ask only about anything missing.

Say what the material is for

This is optional, but useful. If you tell us the service (seawater cooling, steam at 380 °C, sour gas), we can point out if a specified grade looks unsuitable before the order is placed, rather than after it has corroded.

Send it

Use our enquiry form, which has fields for each of these, and lets you attach a drawing or bill of materials. Use the weight calculator if you need to estimate tonnage for freight first.

Frequently asked questions

What details should a steel pipe enquiry include?

Product, standard, grade, size, schedule or wall thickness, length, ends, quantity, testing and certificate requirements, delivery terms and destination.

Why do incomplete enquiries slow down quotes?

The supplier has to ask questions or make assumptions, which delays the quote and increases the risk of a wrong offer.

Should I attach a drawing or BOM?

Yes. A drawing or bill of materials removes ambiguity, especially for special fittings and flanges.

Key takeaways

• Give standard, grade, size, schedule, quantity and documents in every enquiry.
• State Incoterm, destination and required delivery date.
• Attach drawings or a BOM whenever possible.

Need these products?

Sawariya Metal Industries supplies stainless steel pipes, flanges and buttweld pipe fittings from Mumbai to buyers in India and overseas. Send your size, grade, standard and quantity through our enquiry form and we will reply with a clear quotation and the test documents you need. You can also browse our stainless steel pipes, flanges and buttweld fittings.