Review a Tooling Deposit Request Against Drawing and Milestone Evidence
Keep a tooling discussion for a new program clear about prototype assumptions, approvals, and payment authority.
A supplier’s tooling deposit request can feel urgent when a customer expects samples. The procurement specialist needs to expose the assumptions behind the quote before discussing a reduction or releasing funds.
Procurement manager Becca says, “Can you reduce the deposit today? Our customer expects samples next month.” Specialist Andre asks, “Which drawing revision supports the quote, and does the proposal separate prototype work from production tooling?” Becca says the customer has not finalized the drawing and the supplier assumes a prototype phase first. Andre responds, “That distinction should be visible to engineering, finance, and the program manager. I will organize a review of the quote, drawing maturity, milestone evidence, and the approved process for capital authorization. Then the authorized owners can decide how to address the commercial request.”
The conversation does not stall the program. It establishes what the parties need to evaluate: a mature product definition, stated prototype assumptions, deliverable milestones, and the customer’s approval route. A deposit amount is a commercial commitment; the specialist should not create one informally while technical inputs are unsettled.
For practice, give the rep a quote with two unlabeled milestones. Ask them to phrase questions that clarify the deliverable and approval evidence for each. Review whether they include legal or finance owners when required and whether the closing gives the supplier a factual next review date.
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