No matter where you are on the level of specificity you have for your project, from napkin sketch to actual SKU and vectorized art, the quote request process adapts to where you are. It also ensures that you’re following your university’s rules and protocols every step of the way.
So, let’s get started!
First, some pro tips:
- Provide as much detail as you can, so suppliers can quote back as accurately as they can.
- Tell the supplier when you’re not sure about something, and they can submit a couple options back to you to show you the possibilities.
- Select all the suppliers that appear at the bottom of your form when you’re done answering the questions. This will increase your chances of finding the best deal.
- Need to order several different type of items for the same project? Create as many different types of items within your overall project as you need (instead of combining them all into one item quote request).
- Not ready to finish the quote request yet? Or not ready to submit? Don’t worry, you can save a draft. More on this below.
Step 1: Start a New Project
Step 2: Project Questionnaire
You’ll start out providing some project-level details, data collected by your organization’s brand management team. The questions vary in each AgoraCX Marketplace, but it’ll probably look something like this:
Step 3: Item Details
The next form collects info about one item in your project. After you complete this form, you’ll have the option to add more items to the same project. This is great if you need to order t-shirts and key chains for orientation – different items sharing the same project level details (deadlines, budget, etc.).
Product Category
This will help determine which suppliers are displayed to you at the bottom of the page. Not all suppliers are licensed or approved to supply all product categories at your organization, so we help you determine who’s relevant.
Product Details
Give us a few details on the type of product you’re looking for.
Type of Product: What are you looking for? T-shirts, mugs, hats, metal straws? Put that info in the first question.
Item Color: Yes, there are a thousand shades of blue out there, so even if you don’t know the exact color or terminology, “blue” is still very helpful.
Item Brand: Know what brand you’re looking for? Tell us here. Not sure? You can leave it blank.
Style/SKU: This is a great field for the experts. If you know exactly what you’re looking for, provide your SKU details here. If you’re not sure, leave it blank.
Were you inspired by a shirt you saw on a friend? Or an image you found on Google, you can Upload an Idea to show the supplier what you’re thinking.
Open to suggestions?
Suppliers have the option to send multiple offer variations back to you, so if you’d like to see a variety of brand, color, or style options, let them know.
Pricing Details
Some of you are looking to maximize a very specific budget. That could be a helpful data point to share with suppliers, so they know what your deciding factor is. Otherwise, you don’t have to share the exact number with them, it’s up to you.
You can also indicate what level of quality you’re looking for, which will also help the supplier determine what brand, and what quantity of items, they can work into your quote.
Quantity Details
Whether you’re requesting apparel or non-apparel items, this section is where you let the suppliers know how many of that item you’re looking for.
This can be a tricky section, especially if this is your first order. Luckily, suppliers are experts at what they do, so you can let them know if you’re just estimating.
Decoration Details
How would you like your product to be decorated? Want a big design on the front, a logo on the left chest.
Again, even if you’re still in napkin sketch stage, provide as many details as you can so that the suppliers have a starting point. Let them know if you’re open to suggestions.
Select Your Suppliers
We suggest selecting all that appear. This will increase your chances of finding the best deal out there.
Don’t worry, this isn’t the final step before submitting, you’ll do that on the next page.
Step 4: More Project Details
You have a lot of options on this summary page. If you scroll to the bottom of the page, you can:
If you want to Add Another Product, we’ll take you back to the form you just filled out. If you need to take a break, you can Save as Draft, if everything looks good, you can Submit Request.
But first, make sure you fill out these details at the top of the page:
The Quote By date allows you to tell the suppliers when you need to hear back from them. The In Hands Date is when you need your product (you guessed it) in hands.
If everything looks good, go ahead and either click the “Add Another Product” button to create more items, or, submit your request to those suppliers!
Step 5: Waiting for Offers
As soon as you submit your request, we’ll send a notification out to each supplier on your list. We’ll also send them a daily reminder if they can’t get to it right away.
As soon as you receive offers back, we’ll let you know with a system email notification, so keep your eyes out!