RFQ vs RFP: When to Use Each (and How AI Helps)

RFQs and RFPs are fundamental procurement tools, but many organizations use them interchangeably — or worse, use the wrong one for the situation. Let's clarify.

RFQ: Request for Quotation

Use an RFQ when you know exactly what you need and are primarily comparing prices. RFQs work best for:

• Standardized products or commodities
• Repeat purchases with clear specifications
• Price-driven decisions

RFP: Request for Proposal

Use an RFP when you need suppliers to propose solutions, not just prices. RFPs work best for:

• Complex services or custom solutions
• New categories where you need supplier expertise
• Multi-criteria evaluation (not just price)

How AI Transforms Both Processes

AI-powered tools like Obtainer automate both RFQ and RFP processes. For RFQs, AI handles automated purchasing — from generating the quote request to comparing responses and recommending the best option.

For RFPs, AI assists in creating comprehensive evaluation criteria, scoring supplier proposals against multiple dimensions, and identifying the best overall value — not just the lowest price.

Whether you're sending an RFQ or RFP, procurement automation ensures the process is faster, more thorough, and more consistent than manual methods.