Define the market and playing format
State the destination market, intended customer, venue type and game discipline. A table for an American 9-ball club is not specified the same way as a Chinese 8-ball room, hotel lounge or convertible dining-table program.
Include the required size, ball standard and any league or tournament reference that affects pockets, cushions or cloth.
Lock the structural specification
Ask for frame and leg materials, slate configuration, support system, leveling method, cushion profile, pocket construction and ball-return design. Record which items are standard and which are project options.
For commercial tables, add daily use expectations and maintenance access. For design-led tables, confirm how visual materials affect installation and service.
- Frame, legs and support system
- Slate sections and listed thickness
- Cushions, pockets and ball return
- Leveling, assembly and service access
Describe the brand package
Attach color and finish references rather than relying on names such as black, gold or walnut. Mark logo size and position on the cabinet, rails, light panels, manuals and cartons.
Ask for an approval drawing or sample route before bulk production. The quotation should state what design work, sampling and printing are included.
- Cabinet and metal finish references
- Cloth brand, grade and color
- Logo files, sizes and locations
- Manual, carton and label language
Add accessories, packing and documents
List balls, cues, racks, covers, lights, spare cloth, spare pockets and maintenance parts required with each table. Ask the supplier to separate included accessories from optional items.
Confirm export packing, package count, dimensions, gross weights, marks and installation documentation. Request only destination-relevant documents and verify their model scope.
Make commercial terms comparable
Give every supplier the same trial quantity, repeat-volume estimate, destination port, target schedule and preferred trade term. Ask them to identify assumptions and exclusions.
The final order should reference the approved specification, branding drawing, packing list, quality checkpoints and written change-control process.