Creating Formal Quotes
Learn how to create and share formal quotes with customers, purchasing departments, and other stakeholders who need official pricing documentation before placing an order.
Who Needs Formal Quotes?
Formal quotes are useful when you need to share pricing with someone who isn't placing the order themselves, or when official documentation is required.
- Purchasing departments - Companies that require formal quotes before approving purchases
- Project managers - Need to get approval from stakeholders before ordering
- Engineers sharing with buyers - When the person designing isn't the one paying
- Budget approvals - When you need documentation for budget requests
How to Create a Quote
Step 1: Configure Your Parts
Upload your designs, select materials, quantities, and any additional services like bending, tapping, powder coating, or welding. Make sure everything is configured exactly how you want it.
Step 2: Add to Cart
Add your configured parts to the cart. You can add multiple parts and assemblies to a single quote.
Step 3: Create Quote from Cart
In the cart, click "Create Quote" instead of proceeding to checkout. You'll be prompted to enter the recipient's information and shipping details.
Step 4: Share the Quote Link
Once created, you'll get a unique quote link that you can share with anyone. The recipient can view the quote details, download a PDF, and pay directly from the link.
What's Included in a Quote
Each quote includes all the information needed to make a purchase decision:
- Itemized list of all parts with materials and quantities
- Pricing breakdown (subtotal, shipping, expedite fees if applicable)
- Estimated delivery date
- Shipping address
- Quote expiration date (default 7 days)
- Downloadable PDF for your records
When Does Production Begin?
Creating a quote does not start an order. Production only begins after the quote has been paid. This allows you to share quotes freely for approval without any commitment until payment is made.
Once payment is received, the order enters our production queue and you'll receive email updates as your parts progress through manufacturing.
Email Notifications
Our quote system keeps everyone informed throughout the process:
Quote Creator
- Notified when the quote is paid
- Receives order status updates
- Notified when the order ships
Quote Recipient (Purchaser)
- Receives order confirmation after payment
- Gets receipt with order details
- Notified when the order ships
This way, both the person who created the quote and the person who paid for it stay informed about the order's progress.
Quote Expiration
Quotes are valid for 7 days by default. This ensures pricing remains accurate as material costs may change over time. Expired quotes cannot be paid but you can easily create a new quote with updated pricing.
Managing Your Quotes
You can view all quotes you've created from your account. Go to the Quotes page in your account menu to see:
- All quotes you've created
- Quote status (Active, Paid, Expired, Cancelled)
- Links to view quote details or the associated order
Have questions about creating quotes or need assistance with a specific order? We're here to help! Reach out anytime at