You’ve narrowed down your options for a Circular Knitting Machine. Maybe you’ve read our guides on choosing the right machine type and comparing manufacturers. Now comes the step that actually determines what you pay: the quotation process.
Here’s the problem — most buyers treat RFQs as an afterthought. They send a one-line email asking for a price, then wonder why quotes from different Chinese manufacturers vary by 20-40% for seemingly the same machine. A vague RFQ gets a vague (usually inflated) quote. A detailed RFQ gets you an apples-to-apples comparison.
This guide walks through exactly what to include in your quotation request, how to structure it so manufacturers respond with usable numbers, and what to watch for when comparing offers side by side. It also covers the costs that routinely hide outside the quoted price.
What to Include in Your Circular Knitting Machine RFQ
A good RFQ tells the manufacturer exactly what you need — no guessing, no back-and-forth emails asking for clarification. Every missing detail is an opportunity for padding.
Required technical specifications:
- Machine type: Single jersey, double jersey, jacquard, or fleece
- Cylinder diameter: Measured in inches (e.g., 30″, 34″, 46″)
- Gauge (needle density): E18, E24, E28, etc.
- Number of feeders: Directly affects production speed
- Number of needle tracks: 2-track, 3-track, 4-track
- Working width: Determined by end-product requirements
- Control system brand: Favato, Mayer, or OEM PLC
- Fabric type you plan to produce: Single jersey, pique, fleece, etc.
Commercial and logistical details:
- Quantity: Number of units. Batch orders of 5+ units often trigger volume pricing.
- Delivery terms: FOB Shenzhen, CIF destination port, or DDP to your factory
- Target delivery date: Lead times for new machines typically run 45-90 days after order confirmation
- Payment terms preference: 30% deposit + 70% before shipment is standard. Some manufacturers accept LC for larger orders.
- Installation requirements: Do you need on-site commissioning, or do you have local technicians?
- Spare parts package: Specify if you want the standard startup package or a 12-month maintenance kit included in the quote.
Optional but useful additions:
- Your factory’s location and import experience (helps the manufacturer advise on shipping and documentation)
- Any brand preferences for key components (Japanese bearings, German servo motors, etc.)
- Previous machine models you’ve operated (helps them gauge your technical proficiency and training needs)
RFQ Template for Circular Knitting Machine Purchases
Copy and adapt this template when reaching out to manufacturers:
Subject: Quotation Request — [X] Sets of [Machine Type] Circular Knitting Machine
Dear [Manufacturer Name] Sales Team,
We are looking to purchase circular knitting machines for our [new/expanding] textile factory in [location]. Please provide a detailed quotation for the following specifications:
Machine Configuration:
- Type: [Single jersey / Double jersey / Jacquard]
- Cylinder diameter: [e.g., 34 inches]
- Gauge: [e.g., E24]
- Number of feeders: [e.g., 72 feeders]
- Needle tracks: [e.g., 4-track]
- Control system: [e.g., Favato PLC]
- Target fabric: [e.g., 160-220gsm single jersey]
Order Details:
- Quantity: [X] sets
- Delivery terms: [FOB / CIF / DDP]
- Target delivery date: [approximate month/year]
- Payment terms preference: [30/70 T/T / LC at sight]
Additional Requirements:
- [Include/exclude installation and commissioning]
- [Include/exclude spare parts package for X months]
- [Training requirement: on-site / remote / none]
Please include in your quotation:
- Unit price and total price (broken down if possible)
- Lead time from order confirmation to shipment
- Payment terms and any volume discount structure
- Warranty period and coverage
- After-sales service terms (response time, spare parts availability)
- List of included accessories and spare parts
We plan to make a decision within [X] weeks. References or case studies from similar orders would be appreciated.
Thank you,
[Your name, company, contact details]
The return address for your RFQ should be your business email — Gmail addresses get deprioritized by most sales teams in China. A company domain email signals serious buying intent.
How to Compare Quotes from Different Manufacturers
Once quotes start coming in, the real work begins. Manufacturers quote differently. Some include installation, some don’t. Some quote for Chinese-brand servo motors; others use Japanese or German components — but they might not explicitly list this unless you ask.
Build a comparison table with these columns:
| Criteria | Manufacturer A | Manufacturer B | Manufacturer C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total price (FOB) | |||
| Total price (CIF your port) | |||
| Machine model/brand | |||
| Control system | |||
| Servo motor brand & origin | |||
| Bearing brand & origin | |||
| Included spare parts | |||
| Installation included? | |||
| Training included? | |||
| Warranty period | |||
| Lead time | |||
| Payment terms |
Key comparison pitfalls:
Component quality variation. Two machines with identical specs on paper can differ dramatically in actual build quality. The control system, servo motors, bearings, and needle beds account for 60-70% of the machine’s cost. Ask explicitly which brands are used. Favato (Italy), ST (Japan), and Yaskawa (Japan) represent different tiers.
Feeder count confusion. Some manufacturers quote a machine with fewer feeders than the cylinder diameter supports, then offer “upgradable” configurations. Machine production speed is directly proportional to feeder count. Confirm whether the quoted feeder count matches the maximum capacity for that cylinder diameter.
Hidden costs. Shipping insurance, customs clearance fees, inland transport to your factory, and local installation by third-party technicians can add 8-15% to the FOB price. Factor these into your total landed cost before comparing.
Payment term risk. A manufacturer offering 100% T/T before shipment carries more risk than one accepting 30% deposit + 70% against B/L copy or LC. The cheapest quote isn’t always the best deal if the payment terms put all the risk on you.
Hidden Costs That Hide Outside the Quotation
These items frequently appear as line items outside the standard machine quote:
- Installation and commissioning: $1,500-$5,000 per machine if you require factory technicians to travel to your site
- Operator training: Often bundled with installation, but some manufacturers charge separately for extended training programs
- Spare parts beyond the startup kit: Needles, sinkers, and cams are consumables. A basic maintenance kit for a single jersey machine runs $800-$2,000 depending on gauge and cylinder size
- Tooling and change parts: Different fabric patterns require different cam arrangements. If you plan to run multiple fabric types, confirm whether additional tooling is quoted
- Power and foundation preparation: Large circular knitting machines (46″+ diameter) require reinforced flooring and three-phase power. This cost falls on you, not in the quote
- Software licensing: Advanced control systems sometimes carry annual software fees for pattern design tools
Add these “below-the-line” costs to your TCO before making a decision. A machine quoted at $28,000 FOB can realistically land at $42,000-$48,000 fully installed and running.
Typical Quotation Response Times from Chinese Manufacturers
Most Chinese circular knitting machine manufacturers respond to detailed RFQs within 3-5 business days. Here’s what affects response time:
- Simple single-spec quote: 1-3 days
- Multi-variant quotations (different specs or quantities): 5-7 days
- Custom configurations requiring engineering input: 7-14 days
If a manufacturer responds within hours with a round number and no breakdown, treat it as a preliminary estimate — not a binding quote. Legitimate quotations include itemized pricing, technical confirmation, and commercial terms.
Chinese national holidays (especially Spring Festival and National Day Golden Week in October) add 1-2 weeks to response times. Plan your procurement timeline accordingly.
Red Flags in Knitting Machine Quotations
Some quotes deserve scrutiny before you commit. Watch for these warning signs:
No itemization. A single lump-sum price with no breakdown between machine, accessories, shipping, and services makes it impossible to compare or negotiate individual line items.
Unrealistically short lead times. If a manufacturer claims 15-day delivery for a new-build machine when the industry norm is 45-90 days, they’re either quoting from stock (fine, but verify) or setting you up for delays.
No references. A manufacturer that can’t provide references from factories in your region — or at least in a similar market — hasn’t sold to international buyers before. This doesn’t mean they’re bad, but it increases your risk.
Reluctance to provide a detailed contract. The proforma invoice (PI) should specify machine specs, component brands, inspection terms, warranty conditions, and shipping details. A PI that just says “1 set circular knitting machine — $XX,XXX” isn’t enough.
Pressure to skip inspection. Pre-shipment inspection by a third-party quality control firm (SGS, Bureau Veritas, or a local QC agent) costs $300-$500 and catches problems before the machine leaves the factory. Any manufacturer that discourages inspection is protecting themselves, not you.
Negotiation Leverage Points
You have more negotiating power than you think, especially if you’ve done your homework:
- Volume commitment: Even a conditional commitment (“We plan to order 10 sets over 12 months”) unlocks better pricing than a single-unit inquiry
- Component substitution: If the manufacturer quotes Japanese bearings but you’re open to high-quality Chinese alternatives, that’s a negotiation point worth $500-$2,000 per machine
- Payment terms: Offering a larger deposit (40-50% instead of 30%) can shave 2-5% off the total price
- Delivery flexibility: If you can accept delivery during the manufacturer’s slow season (typically January-March), they may offer a discount to keep production lines running
- Long-term relationship framing: Manufacturers value repeat buyers. If you’re setting up a new factory with plans to expand, say so upfront
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many manufacturers should I request quotations from?
A: Three to five is the sweet spot. Fewer than three gives you no basis for comparison. More than five creates noise — you’ll spend weeks parsing responses that blur together. Prioritize manufacturers with experience shipping to your region.
Q: Should I use a sourcing agent or contact manufacturers directly?
A: For circular knitting machines, direct contact is usually better. Sourcing agents add 3-10% commission and may not understand the technical nuances of machine specifications. If you don’t speak Mandarin and the manufacturer’s English is limited, a translator (not a sourcing agent) is a better investment.
Q: What’s the typical price range for a circular knitting machine from China?
A: A standard single jersey machine (30″-34″, E24, 48-72 feeders) runs $18,000-$35,000 FOB depending on component quality and manufacturer. Double jersey machines add 20-35%. Jacquard machines start around $35,000 and go up from there. For a detailed breakdown, see our Circular Knitting Machine Price Guide.
Q: Can I negotiate after receiving the quotation?
A: Yes. Most Chinese manufacturers expect one to two rounds of negotiation. A 5-10% reduction from the initial quote is common. Push too hard on price and the manufacturer may cut corners on component quality instead — negotiate on payment terms, spare parts packages, and delivery terms as well.
Q: What payment method is safest for international machine purchases?
A: 30% T/T deposit + 70% against copy of Bill of Lading is the industry standard and balances risk for both parties. For orders above $100,000, consider a Letter of Credit (LC) through your bank. Avoid 100% prepayment — it removes all your leverage if something goes wrong.
Conclusion
The quotation process is where you shift from researching to actually buying. A well-structured RFQ gets you accurate, comparable quotes. A sloppy one gets you inflated numbers and surprises later.
Take the time to specify exactly what you need, request itemized pricing, and compare total landed costs — not just the machine price. The manufacturers worth working with will welcome detailed questions and provide transparent answers.
Ready to move forward? Start with our Circular Knitting Machine Price Guide for baseline pricing, then use the RFQ template above to request quotes from shortlisted manufacturers.