How can manufacturing companies automate their quote requests with online quotations?

Managing quotation requests manually is both time-consuming and inefficient. Today, there are smart digital solutions where companies can create quotes online and provide customers with immediate pricing for manufacturing methods such as laser cutting and waterjet cutting.

In this article, we explore how you can streamline your sales process by offering online quotes, what to consider, and the advantages for both you and your customers.

Why offer online quotes?

Automated quotation solutions allow customers to upload their designs, select materials, quantities, and other parameters – and get an instant price. What previously took hours or days can now be accomplished in just a few minutes. The benefits are numerous:

  • Faster business closure: The customer receives answers immediately and can decide more quickly.

  • Reduced administration: The sales team avoids manual quote management and can focus on larger deals.

  • Increased competitiveness: Being able to provide immediate pricing for laser cutting or waterjet cutting creates a strong first impression.

  • Better customer experience: A seamless and digital experience increases the likelihood of repeat business.

How does online quoting work?

By implementing a CPQ solution (Configure, Price, Quote) on your website, customers can:

  1. Upload their drawings or CAD files.

  2. Choose the type of processing, such as laser cutting or waterjet cutting.

  3. Specify materials, thickness, and quantities.

  4. Instantly receive a price and, if needed, place an order.

This ensures your production always has an updated and accurate picture of what's incoming, while you gather vital customer data for future marketing.

Price calculation for laser and waterjet cutting

To provide instant pricing for laser cutting or waterjet cutting, you need a clear pricing model that can manage:

  • Material costs

  • Cutting time

  • Machine setup and tool changes

  • Any post-processing required

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 quotes

  • Sheet and metal cutting

  • Tubular laser cutting

  • Waterjet cutting of plastics and rubber

  • Bending and post-processing

  • Modular products

As long as a structured pricing model is in place, almost any contract manufacturing service can be sold via online quotes.

Get started with digital quoting solutions

Want to know more about how your company can start offering online quotes? At Formedieas, we help contract manufacturing companies digitize their sales processes and create smart CPQ solutions tailored to each business's unique needs.

✅ Gain more business
✅ Save time
✅ Create a modern customer experience

Contact us today, and we'll tell you more about how you can offer immediate pricing for laser cutting, immediate pricing for waterjet cutting, and create online quotes!