Zipper Specification Sheet: What to Send a Supplier for a Fast Quote

A good zipper quote starts before price. If a supplier receives only “I need #5 zippers”, they still have to guess the length, end type, tape colour, teeth material, slider, puller, quantity and application. Every guess creates delay, and every delay makes sampling harder.

Use this guide as a clean zipper specification sheet for bulk orders. It is written for garment, bag, jacket, uniform, abaya and outdoor product buyers who need clear answers from a factory without overloading the inquiry with unnecessary jargon.

The short answer

For a fast quotation, send these ten details:

1. zipper type
2. zipper size
3. finished length
4. end type
5. tape colour
6. teeth material and finish
7. slider and puller style
8. quantity
9. application
10. sample photo or reference

If you are not sure about size, start with our zipper size chart and parts of a zipper guide.

1. Zipper type

Type affects feel, strength, price and appearance. Nylon coil is flexible and light. Metal feels premium and is common on denim, leather, jackets and abayas. Resin is strong, colourful and useful for bags or outdoor products. Invisible zippers are for hidden seams. Waterproof zippers use coated tape for rainwear and technical gear.

If you do not know the type, describe the product and send a photo. A real manufacturer can suggest the most practical option.

2. Zipper size

The size number, such as #3, #5, #8 or #10, describes the approximate width of the closed chain. #5 is the common middle choice for jackets, hoodies, uniforms and many bags. #8 and #10 are for heavier loads. #3 is for lighter garments and pockets.

Do not specify only “medium” or “heavy duty”. Use the size number when possible.

3. Finished length

Length is separate from size. A #5 zipper can be 12cm for a pocket or 75cm for a jacket. For garments, measure the finished opening and state whether the zipper should be 60cm, 65cm, 70cm, 75cm, 80cm or a custom length.

For jacket programs, our #5 metal open-end zipper page lists common 60-80cm lengths.

4. End type

End type is one of the most common sources of quoting mistakes.

End type	Common use
Closed-end	pockets, bags, cushions, side openings
One-way open-end	jackets, abayas, uniforms, hoodies
Two-way open-end	long coats, parkas, riding jackets
Continuous roll	bags, tents, home textiles, cut-to-length production

If the zipper must separate completely at the bottom, it is open-end.

5. Tape colour

Basic colours such as black, white and beige are often fastest. For brand colours, send a Pantone reference, fabric swatch or photo taken in natural light. Tape colour matching can affect MOQ and lead time, so it should be confirmed early.

6. Teeth material and finish

For metal zippers, specify aluminium, brass or nickel-plated brass. For shiny silver, confirm whether aluminium shiny silver or nickel-plated brass shiny silver is required. They look similar in a photo, but weight, feel and cost differ.

Common metal finishes include shiny silver, antique brass, brass, gunmetal, gold and black nickel. Resin teeth can be colour matched. Nylon coil is usually matched to tape or garment colour.

7. Slider and puller

The slider is what the customer touches. State whether you need a standard puller, long decorative puller, logo puller, auto-lock slider or two-way slider. For custom pullers, send a drawing, logo file, size reference or sample photo.

Long decorative pullers are especially useful for fashion garments, abayas and products where the wearer needs an easier grip.

8. Quantity and trial orders

Quantity affects price, MOQ and production planning. Instead of asking only “What is your MOQ?”, send your target quantity and ask what standard options can meet it.

Regular MOQ varies by zipper type and specification. Trial orders from 2,000 pcs may be accepted for standard items. Samples are available before bulk production.

9. Application and performance

A zipper for a jacket does not need the same tests as a zipper for luggage or rainwear. Tell the supplier the final product, fabric weight and market. For workwear, outdoor products, coastal markets or children’s products, mention any test requirements such as pull strength, salt spray, colour fastness or restricted substances.

10. Sample photo or reference

A photo reduces misunderstanding. Send front and back views, close-ups of the teeth, slider, puller, bottom stop or open-end box. If you have an old sample, include its length and where it is used.

Copy-and-paste RFQ template

Product: #5 metal open-end zipper
Length: 75cm
End type: one-way open-end
Tape colour: black
Teeth material/finish: nickel-plated brass, shiny silver
Puller: long decorative puller
Quantity: 2,000 pcs trial order
Application: jacket / abaya / uniform
Country: Kuwait
Sample photo: available
Need: price, sample lead time and bulk lead time

Send your zipper specifications or download the zipper size chart and buyer guide before preparing your next inquiry.

FAQ

What information is needed for a zipper quotation?

At minimum, send zipper type, size, length, end type, tape colour, teeth finish, puller style, quantity and application. A sample photo helps the factory quote faster.

Can I ask the supplier to recommend the zipper size?

Yes. Send the product type, fabric weight, usage and target look. The supplier can recommend #3, #5, #8 or #10, but final approval should be based on samples.

Is a 2,000 pcs trial order possible?

Trial orders from 2,000 pcs may be accepted for standard specifications. Custom colours, custom pullers or special plating may require higher MOQ.

Should I send a tech pack or a sample photo?

Send both if possible. A tech pack gives dimensions and requirements; a photo shows finish, puller shape and construction details that are easy to miss in text.