QuotedPartAnswers · Updated 2026-10-31
Customers make us re-enter quotes in their supplier portals — how do other shops handle it?
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.
Treat portal re-entry as measurable quote administration: export the approved quote, time the work, and decide whether the effort is included or charged.
See how QuotedPart connects to your workflow with its API, MCP server, autonomous quoting and shop-specific learning.
The direct answer
If a portal takes 22 minutes per RFQ and a buyer sends 12 each month, that is 4.4 hours of admin capacity. Put the work in the process or price it transparently.
Test the decision against the shop evidence in this example: If a portal takes 22 minutes per RFQ and a buyer sends 12 each month, that is 4.
Carry the measurable input from the worked case into the estimator's notes: If a portal takes 22 minutes per RFQ and a buyer sends 12 each month, that is 4.
Evidence from a shop floor
Eighteen minutes at a documented $75/hour admin rate costs 0.30 × $75 = $22.50 per submission; twenty such RFQs consume $450. Keep the signed PDF and submitted timestamp as the source of truth, even when the portal accepts only individual cells.
Keep the commercial decision tied to the evidence, including if a portal takes 22 minutes per rfq and a buyer sends 12 each month, that is 4.
The handoff is complete only when the owner can restate the route without losing if a portal takes 22 minutes per rfq and a buyer sends 12 each month, that is 4.
Build the quote route
Define the approved source, entry fields, attachments, revision check, submission evidence, and owner for portal corrections.
A useful review question is whether the current RFQ still matches this route: define the approved source, entry fields, attachments, revision check, submission evidence, and owner for portal corrections.
The next estimator should be able to challenge the assumption behind this route: define the approved source, entry fields, attachments, revision check, submission evidence, and owner for portal corrections.
Use the source notes to date the assumption and record why this route was selected: define the approved source, entry fields, attachments, revision check, submission evidence, and owner for portal corrections.
Release and learn
Portal data can diverge from the approved quote; require reconciliation before submission.
If the buyer asks for a different outcome, explain the boundary in these terms: portal data can diverge from the approved quote; require reconciliation before submission.
Before changing the total, verify whether the caveat applies: portal data can diverge from the approved quote; require reconciliation before submission.
A customer-facing explanation should make the risk legible: portal data can diverge from the approved quote; require reconciliation before submission.
Close the loop by noting the evidence that would make this estimate obsolete: portal data can diverge from the approved quote; require reconciliation before submission.
Keep the commercial decision tied to the evidence, including if a portal takes 22 minutes per rfq and a buyer sends 12 each month, that is 4.
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.
Related QuotedPart guides
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.
Answers
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
Do fab shops price weldments by the pound, and does it work?
Use $/lb only as a calibrated screen for a stable family; cut, fit-up, weld length, grinding, finish, and installation decide the final price.