A quote-ready custom USB-C cable RFQ must separate the connector route, power capability, data rate, optional video function, construction, markings, packaging, and sample-acceptance method. “USB-C fast cable” is not a complete specification: the USB-C connector shape does not by itself define every electrical or data capability.
Use the worksheet below before asking for price. Mark each field as required, preferred, supplier-proposed, or not applicable. If a field is still unknown, assign the decision and evidence needed to close it instead of letting the first sample make the decision by accident.
Define the use case before asking for price
Start with the host, power source, device, and user environment. A cable for charging a phone from a wall adapter, connecting an external drive, powering a workstation, or carrying a display signal has a different risk profile. State the equipment the buyer controls and the equipment the end user may substitute.
Then define the commercial system: destination markets, packaging language, retail or bundled channel, expected order pattern, warranty handling, and whether the cable is sold alone or with another device. A cable bundled with a charger or product should be accepted as part of that complete use case, not only as an isolated cord.
If the project is still at the commercial-scoping stage, review Keku’s USB-C cable manufacturing route. The landing page is the broad supplier and capability entry point; this article owns the narrower job of preparing the technical RFQ.
Custom USB-C cable RFQ worksheet
| RFQ field | Buyer input | Evidence to request | Sample check | Decision if open |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use case and equipment | Host, power source, device, operating environment, bundled equipment | Supplier statement of the proposed application and limits | Run the agreed functions with the named equipment set | Buyer defines mandatory equipment and allowable substitutes |
| Connector route | USB-C to USB-C or another exact connector pair; plug orientation or angle if relevant | Drawing, connector identifiers, dimensions, and orientation | Inspect fit, retention, access, and intended orientation | Mechanical owner approves the route |
| Power capability | Required power class and supported use case | Electrical design, applicable cable identity, and test record for the proposed configuration | Measure behavior with the agreed source, load/device, and analyzer method | Electrical reviewer defines the pass rule |
| Data capability | Charging only, USB 2.0, or a required higher data capability | Specification route, wiring/construction record, and applicable test evidence | Transfer or link test under the agreed equipment and conditions | State “not required” if the product is intentionally charge-focused |
| Video or alternate mode | Required protocol, mode, resolution/use case, or explicitly not required | System scope and applicable design/test evidence | Test the complete host-cable-display chain and record the mode | System owner confirms whether the function is mandatory |
| Electronically marked cable decision | Required by the proposed electrical/data design or not applicable | Marker identity and applicable USB Power Delivery compliance evidence when implemented | Read and compare the declared cable identity with the approved specification | Supplier proposes; electrical reviewer verifies applicability |
| Length and tolerances | Finished length, measurement points, and acceptable tolerance | Drawing and inspection method | Measure multiple labeled samples using the same method | Buyer approves the tolerance before quotation |
| Jacket and outer construction | Material requirement if evidence-backed; color; surface; braid; diameter; flexibility objective | Material declaration, drawing, color reference, and construction sample | Compare appearance, dimensions, handling, and agreed mechanical checks | Do not substitute a marketing material name for a specification |
| Connector housing and strain relief | Material, finish, geometry, logo area, and device-clearance constraints | Drawing, visual standard, and production-intent sample | Inspect clearance, assembly, finish, and agreed mechanical criteria | Industrial-design and engineering owners approve together |
| Markings and logos | Required cable, connector, package, regulatory, and brand markings | Artwork, authorization or license evidence where applicable, and approved print method | Compare text, icon, location, legibility, and product capability | Remove any claim that lacks an applicable evidence route |
| Packaging and included items | Package type, insert, label, barcode, language, accessories, and pack quantity | Dieline, artwork revision, bill of packed items, and pack-out sample | Perform a complete pack-out comparison | Channel owner signs the final pack definition |
| Sample acceptance | Quantity, tests, equipment, conditions, records, and pass rules | Numbered samples and a completed result sheet | Execute the prewritten checks without changing criteria afterward | Accept, revise, or reject each recorded deviation |
| Production change control | Fields that require notice, approval, or renewed verification | Controlled baseline, proposed change form, and affected-lot identity | Compare incoming units with the approved configuration | Buyer and supplier assign change authority in writing |
The worksheet should travel with the quotation. If two suppliers answer different field sets, their prices are not yet comparable. Resolve exclusions, assumptions, and supplier-proposed alternatives before choosing a sample.
Separate power, data, and video requirements
USB-C describes a connector ecosystem, not one universal cable capability. Write each function as its own field. A cable may be intended primarily for charging, may include a particular data path, and may or may not support the system needed for video. Avoid using “full function” unless the RFQ defines the functions and the acceptance plan verifies them.
For power, identify the required source, device or load, and cable power class. For data, name the required capability and equipment used to check it. For video, define the complete host-to-display route, adapters if any, mode, and test conditions. Do not assume that a successful charging check proves data or display performance.
Decide whether an electronically marked cable is required from the proposed design and applicable USB specifications. The USB-IF cable guidance directs implemented E-marker cable tests to the USB Power Delivery compliance plan. The supplier should identify the proposed marker and evidence route; the buyer should not add or remove it based only on a product-page phrase.
Choose physical construction after electrical function
Length, conductor design, shielding, jacket, braid, connector housing, and strain relief can affect cost, dimensions, handling, and electrical performance. Begin with the mandatory electrical and use-case constraints, then request a construction that can meet them. An attractive braid cannot rescue an undefined power or data requirement.
Specify measurable appearance and geometry where they matter: finished length and tolerance, outer diameter, connector dimensions, right-angle orientation, color reference, surface finish, branding area, and device or case clearance. If flexibility or abrasion resistance is important, agree on the method and pass rule rather than relying on “durable” as a purchasing term.
Material names also need scope. A jacket description does not by itself prove every environmental, chemical, fire, recycling, or regulatory claim. Request the relevant declaration or test evidence for the market and claim being made, and keep it tied to the production material revision.
Control cable markings and evidence
Markings should describe the approved capability and follow the applicable license rules. The USB Implementers Forum states that USB-C to USB-C cable categories passing through its compliance program must carry the applicable 60W or 240W power marking. Except for the stated High-Speed USB (USB 2.0) case, the program also requires the appropriate supported data-rate marking. These are program statements; they do not prove that an untested sample is certified or authorized to use a logo.
The USB-IF also states that commercial use of its certified logos requires a Trademark License Agreement. Therefore, an RFQ should separate three items: the intended cable capability, the evidence route, and the artwork or logo authorization. Do not approve artwork first and search for evidence afterward.
Check that the cable, connector, packaging, instruction insert, and online description use the same capability language. If the sample changes electrically but the artwork does not, reopen both the test and marking review.
Write the sample-acceptance plan before samples arrive
Number each sample and record the quotation revision, drawing, configuration, marker identity where applicable, length, appearance reference, packaging version, and test equipment. Use the same source, load or device, host, display, adapter, and software conditions defined in the plan. Record measured or observable outcomes, not only a final “pass” label.
A practical sample plan covers:
- Connector fit, orientation, clearance, and workmanship.
- Power behavior under the agreed source and load or device.
- Data link or transfer behavior when data is required.
- Video behavior in the named system when video is required.
- Cable identity and electronically marked information when applicable.
- Length, construction, color, markings, packaging, and included items.
- Repeated checks across more than one sample when project risk warrants it.
Close every deviation with one disposition: reject, correct and resample, accept as a controlled exception, or revise the requirement. Do not let a conversation about one sample silently modify the RFQ for production.
Turn the approved sample into a production baseline
The approved baseline should connect the sample ID to the specification, drawing, electrical design identity, test record, marker information where applicable, artwork, packaging, and approved deviations. Define which changes need notice and which need buyer approval or renewed testing.
At incoming inspection, verify identity first. A visual match is not enough when the internal wiring, marker, conductor construction, or artwork revision can change without a dramatic external difference. Use lot or batch records at the level agreed for the project and retain the result with the purchase order.
Send the RFQ package
Send one controlled package containing the completed worksheet, equipment list, drawings or dimensional constraints, markings, destination markets, packaging inputs, sample plan, forecast, and requested evidence. Ask the supplier to mark every assumption and exclusion in the response.
When those inputs are ready, send Keku the custom USB-C cable RFQ. The first quotation should identify unresolved technical decisions rather than hide them inside a single unit price.
Official sources
- USB Implementers Forum — Cables and Connectors (checked July 31, 2026).
- USB Implementers Forum — USB Type-C Cable and Connector Specification (checked July 31, 2026).