Step one: the application and where it is used
The same shape used on a display stand and at an assembly station needs entirely different things confirmed. The first is about appearance, colour and stability in place; the second about datums, load paths and dimensional retention after repeated use. So we ask about the application before discussing material or process.
This stage usually needs no drawings. A plain description of what it must do, under what conditions, and who uses it is enough to begin.
Step two: drawings and critical dimensions
Once the application is clear, we know which dimensions are critical and which can flex. A complete drawing may carry dozens of dimensions, but only a few usually govern fit or appearance. Settling those first leaves room to adjust the rest.
If there is no 3D model yet, that is fine to start with. Marking which dimensions are settled and which are still open is more useful than a file whose priorities we cannot judge.
Step three: quantity and material requirements
Quantity drives the approach. One-offs and batches diverge on process choice, whether tooling is needed, and how parts get inspected. On material, it is fine to be unsure: we would rather establish what the part must withstand, then work back to a material.
A material name is not a performance confirmation. "Nylon" covers a broad family whose stiffness, toughness and temperature behaviour vary by grade; the specific choice follows from the operating conditions.
Step four: finishing and acceptance
How far surface treatment, support removal and secondary machining go directly affects cost and lead time. Acceptance criteria belong here too: inspecting to drawing dimensions and inspecting whether the assembly closes are not the same test, and can disagree.
Setting out the points where interpretations could diverge, before production, saves more time than debating them afterwards.
Step five: timing and delivery
Standard requests and specialist parts differ in how long quoting and delivery take; specifics are confirmed through drawing review and order confirmation. Delivery address, recipient and whether shipments should be split are also worth settling here.
International shipping is arranged separately; customs clearance and local delivery fall outside the standard arrangement.
Why the order should not be reversed
Asking about price before the application produces a number that cannot be relied on. Change the application and the material, process, quantity and acceptance method all change with it, so the price must be recalculated. Align the first four points and the quotation means something.
That is also why we suggest describing the need in words first, rather than sending a file with no indication of what matters most.