Questions 1–3: about the supplier

  • 1. Are you the manufacturer or a reseller? A manufacturer can adapt a batch faster and adds no middleman margin.
  • 2. Where is your warehouse? A nearby warehouse means collection and short lead times.
  • 3. Which languages do you work in? In Estonia it helps when a supplier speaks Estonian, English and Russian.

Questions 4–6: about the product

  • 4. What exactly is in the batch? For rags: fabric type, colour, piece size, no buttons or zips. For anodes: alloy, weight and fixing. For metal: EN grade, shape and dimensions.
  • 5. Which documents come with the batch? For metal and anodes, ask for an EN 10204 3.1 certificate: it gives the chemical composition and test results for the batch. For metal stock, buyers often ask for an EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificate, which gives test results for that specific batch.
  • 6. Can you make it to a drawing or sample? And what is the lead time?

Questions 7–10: about the terms

  • 7. What is the minimum order? Can we start with a trial batch?
  • 8. How is it packed and delivered? Bags, crates or pallets. Delivery in Estonia and the EU, or collection.
  • 9. What are the payment terms: prepayment or credit? Is there a contract and a VAT number? A zero-rated supply to another EU country needs the buyer’s valid VAT number and proof that the goods left Estonia, such as a CMR.
  • 10. What happens if a batch is not right? How claims are handled and how quickly goods are replaced.

Buying regularly? Also ask whether price and delivery schedule can be fixed for a period. That saves you a new price request every month.

How to write a request that gets a price straight away

  • Product and grade. For example, “white knit rags” or “zinc hull anode, 4 kg”.
  • Quantity and units: kilograms, pieces, pallets.
  • One-off or regular — and how often.
  • Delivery address or collection.
  • Drawing, photo of a sample or part number, if you have one.
  • Which documents you need.

A drawing or photo is easiest to attach to an email to [email protected]. Or send the request through the form on our contact page — we will clarify the details.

Red flags

  • A price far below market with no clear reason.
  • No warehouse address or company details.
  • They cannot name the alloy grade or fabric type.
  • They cannot say which documents come with the metal.
  • Any lead time promised before they ask the quantity.

How we work

We are the manufacturer and direct supplier. Our warehouse is in Tallinn, Masina tn 1. We speak Estonian, English and Russian. We make to drawing and sample, accept small batches and run scheduled supply. More about our terms.

Choosing an anode? Start with zinc vs aluminium anodes. Choosing rags? Start with types of wiping rags.

Questions and answers

01What should an RFQ include?

Product and grade, quantity, one-off or regular, delivery address. If available, a drawing, a photo of a sample or a part number. Then a price can be given straight away.

02How can I check quality before a large order?

Ask for a trial batch or a sample. For metal and anodes, ask for an EN 10204 3.1 certificate: it gives the chemical composition and test results for the batch.

03What is a KMKR number?

It is the Estonian VAT registration number. It appears on the invoice. A zero-rated supply to another EU country also needs the buyer’s valid VAT number and proof that the goods left Estonia.

04Can I order rags, anodes and metal from one supplier?

Yes, if the supplier works with all three groups. One invoice and one delivery save time for accounts and the warehouse.