What document do sellers use when deliverables are commodities and price is the main factor?

The correct answer is that sellers use a Request for Quotation (often referred to as RFQ) when deliverables are commodities and price is the main deciding factor. This document allows potential sellers to provide their pricing for specific goods or services that are typically standardized or similar across multiple suppliers. The RFQ process is efficient as it encourages competition among vendors and simplifies the purchasing decision based primarily on cost.

In scenarios where the focus is on obtaining the lowest possible price for tangible, commodity-type deliverables, an RFQ facilitates straightforward comparison of bids from multiple suppliers, which streamlines the evaluation process. Consequently, the buyer can make an informed decision based on the prices received.

While a Request for Bid may sometimes be used in similar contexts, it is generally more applicable to specific situations where the terms and conditions are clearly defined ahead of time, rather than for standard commodities.