How contract manufacturing companies can automate their quote requests with online quotes
Aug 30, 2024
Handling quote requests manually is both time-consuming and inefficient. Today, there are smart digital solutions where companies can create quotes online and provide customers with prices directly for manufacturing methods such as laser cutting and water cutting.
In this article, we go through how you can streamline your sales process by offering quotes online, what you should consider, and what advantages there are for both you and your customers.
Why offer quotes online?
Automated quoting solutions mean that the customer can upload their drawing, choose materials, quantities, and other parameters – and receive a price instantly. The process that previously took hours or days can now happen in just a few minutes. The benefits are many:
Faster business closures: The customer receives an immediate response and can make decisions more quickly.
Reduced administration: The sales team can avoid manual quote handling and focus on larger deals.
Increased competitiveness: Being able to show a price immediately for laser cutting or water cutting creates a strong first impression.
Better customer experience: A smooth and digital experience increases the chances of repeat business.
How does creating quotes online work?
By implementing a CPQ solution (Configure, Price, Quote) on your website, customers can:
Upload their drawing or CAD file.
Select the type of processing, for example, laser cutting or water cutting.
Specify materials, thickness, and quantity.
Receive a price directly and, if necessary, place an order.
This means that your production always has an updated and accurate picture of what is coming in, and you can simultaneously collect important customer data for future marketing.
Price calculation for laser cutting and water cutting
To provide a price directly for laser cutting or a price directly for water cutting, you need a clear pricing model that can handle:
Material costs
Cutting time
Machine setup
Any post-processing
When these parameters are digitally input into your CPQ solution, prices can be calculated automatically – quickly and accurately.
Examples of products and services suitable for online quoting
Cutting of sheet metal and metal
Tube laser cutting
Water cutting of plastic and rubber
Bending and post-processing
Modular products
As long as there is a structured pricing model, almost any outsourced service can be sold through online quotes.
Getting started with digital quoting solutions
Would you like to know more about how your company can get started with offering quotes online? At Formedieas, we help contract manufacturing companies digitize their sales processes and create smart CPQ solutions tailored to each business's unique needs.
✅ Get more business
✅ Save time
✅ Create a modern customer experience
Contact us today, and we will tell you more about how you can offer prices directly for laser cutting, prices directly for water cutting, and create quotes online!