Describe the purchase before choosing a price
“PVC foam board, 18 mm” is a starting point, but it leaves several purchasing decisions open. A board for cabinet components may need a different surface, specification or packing arrangement from a board bought for a distributor’s general stock. Explain who will use the material and how it will be processed.
If the grade is not yet decided, send the application and the requirements you already know. Ask the supplier to identify the proposed grade in the quotation. Do not allow an unspecified alternative to become the basis for a price comparison.
The specification checklist
| Item | Information to send |
|---|---|
| Application | Cabinet components, furniture, decorative interior panels, stock distribution or another intended use. |
| Board grade | Celuka, co-extruded, free foam or laminated; ask for a recommendation if undecided. |
| Dimensions | Sheet width × length in millimetres and nominal thickness. State any required tolerances. |
| Density | Requested density in g/cm³, or the performance/application requirement to discuss. |
| Surface | White or decorative finish, visible faces, texture, protective film and pattern reference. |
| Quantity | Sheets per specification, expected container plan and whether mixed specifications are needed. |
| Packing | Plastic-bag packing, pallet or carton request, marking and unloading constraints. |
| Destination | Destination country and port, requested trade term and required shipment timing. |
| Approval | Sample reference, processing trials and documents needed before order confirmation. |
Use a separate line for every specification
Group quantities by thickness, density, size and finish. A single total quantity can hide the production mix and make loading estimates less reliable. For laminated boards, identify whether one or both faces need the decorative finish and whether the same pattern is used on the reverse.
For example, an enquiry might contain one line for white cabinet board, another for a different component thickness and a third for a woodgrain finish. Keep the quantity unit consistent. If you have a parts list rather than a full-sheet order, explain whether you will cut the material yourself or require a separately quoted processing service.
Copy this enquiry template
Company / contact: Destination country and port: Intended application: Preferred board grade (or advice needed): Sheet size, width × length, mm: Thickness, mm: Requested density, g/cm³: Colour / finish reference: Visible faces / reverse-face requirement: Quantity in sheets for EACH specification: Packing and marking: Requested trade term: Target shipment timing: Sample / approval requirements: Documents or test reports requested: Drawing, photos or previous sample reference:
Attach a drawing or reference photograph when it clarifies the application. Label dimensions and identify which image relates to each requested finish. Avoid relying on a photograph as the only specification for white shade, gloss or texture.
Compare the full quotation scope
Put quotations side by side and check that the grade, dimensions, density, finish and quantity match. Then check what is included in packing, freight and any processing service. A lower unit price may reflect a different board or a narrower supply scope.
SincePlast’s standard plastic-bag packing is included; pallets and cartons are quoted separately. FOB Qingdao is a common quotation basis, and CIF requests can be discussed with a named destination port. The written quotation and order confirmation specify the agreed scope.
Standard-order lead time is generally 7–15 days, with laminated orders commonly requiring around five additional days. Treat this as planning guidance: material, finish, quantity and the confirmed production schedule determine the agreed timing for your order.
Plan a mixed order before finalising quantities
Tell us early if you need several thicknesses or finishes in one container. Minimum quantities and loading depend on the specification mix. Container planning must consider both space and cargo weight, as well as packing, carrier and destination requirements. A container quantity should be checked against the actual proposed order rather than assumed from a generic sheet count.
Not ready to specify everything? Send the intended use, the dimensions you know, estimated quantity and destination first. We can identify the open questions so the quotation is based on a clear proposed specification.
Continue with the sample approval checklist, or review how specification, packing and document requests are handled.
Put your specification into an order.
Send your application, board size, thickness, surface requirements and quantity. Our export team will help clarify the details before quotation.