QuotedPartAnswers · Updated 2026-10-31
How should a shop quote inventors and startups (one-offs, NDAs, payment risk)?
Price one of your own parts: Drop a STEP model or PDF drawing — about 90 seconds, no account.
Your part priced in about 90 seconds, no account.
Stage the work as paid drawing review, NRE, machining, inspection, and shipment; use deposits and change-order gates when scope or payment risk is high.
See how QuotedPart connects to your workflow with its API, MCP server, autonomous quoting and shop-specific learning.
The direct answer
For a first prototype, collect $300 drawing and NRE before buying $180 material and scheduling $650 machining. A deposit protects both sides while the design changes.
Test the decision against the shop evidence in this example: For a first prototype, collect $300 drawing and NRE before buying $180 material and scheduling $650 machining.
Carry the measurable input from the worked case into the estimator's notes: For a first prototype, collect $300 drawing and NRE before buying $180 material and scheduling $650 machining.
Evidence from a shop floor
Two hours drawing cleanup ($220), one hour workholding design ($95), $85 material, and $464.53 machining total $864.53; a 50% deposit is $432.27. Send prototype terms before detailed estimating and keep NDA, ownership, payment, and manufacturing scope distinct.
Keep the commercial decision tied to the evidence, including for a first prototype, collect $300 drawing and nre before buying $180 material and scheduling $650 machining.
The handoff is complete only when the owner can restate the route without losing for a first prototype, collect $300 drawing and nre before buying $180 material and scheduling $650 machining.
Build the quote route
Define drawing ownership, revision control, deposit trigger, NRE deliverable, prototype acceptance, and change-order path.
A useful review question is whether the current RFQ still matches this route: define drawing ownership, revision control, deposit trigger, nre deliverable, prototype acceptance, and change-order path.
The next estimator should be able to challenge the assumption behind this route: define drawing ownership, revision control, deposit trigger, nre deliverable, prototype acceptance, and change-order path.
Use the source notes to date the assumption and record why this route was selected: define drawing ownership, revision control, deposit trigger, nre deliverable, prototype acceptance, and change-order path.
Release and learn
A promising prototype can still lack a production buyer; keep payment and scope gates explicit.
If the buyer asks for a different outcome, explain the boundary in these terms: a promising prototype can still lack a production buyer; keep payment and scope gates explicit.
Before changing the total, verify whether the caveat applies: a promising prototype can still lack a production buyer; keep payment and scope gates explicit.
A customer-facing explanation should make the risk legible: a promising prototype can still lack a production buyer; keep payment and scope gates explicit.
Close the loop by noting the evidence that would make this estimate obsolete: a promising prototype can still lack a production buyer; keep payment and scope gates explicit.
Keep the commercial decision tied to the evidence, including for a first prototype, collect $300 drawing and nre before buying $180 material and scheduling $650 machining.
Price one of your own parts
Drop a PDF drawing or a STEP file. QuotedPart reads the print, measures the model and prices it in seconds, on default shop rates you can change.
Your STEP file or PDF drawingDrop a PDF drawing, a STEP file or both
Free. No account, no email. Priced at our default US rates until you set yours.
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Answers
Can I ship 10% more or fewer parts than ordered?
Only when the purchase order or customer has agreed a quantity tolerance; there is no universal right to ship ten percent extra or short.
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Can I use Xometry or Protolabs instant quotes as a price check?
Use an instant quote as a dated comparison point after matching quantity, revision, finish, inspection, freight, and delivery scope; it is not a neutral market index.
Answers
Customer sent a STEP file but no drawing — what tolerance do I quote?
Use a written model-only default only when the customer accepts it; a practical example is to model with ±0.005 inch unless a drawing states otherwise, while calling out material, finish, threads, and inspection as open.
Answers
Customers make us re-enter quotes in their supplier portals — how do other shops handle it?
Treat portal re-entry as measurable quote administration: export the approved quote, time the work, and decide whether the effort is included or charged.