Gimme-A-Quote

About Gimme-A-Quote

Gimme-A-Quote is a purpose-built software solution designed to eliminate the complexity and frustration traditionally associated with procurement and quoting processes. It serves as a direct, no-nonsense platform for small to medium-sized manufacturing shops, machine shops, and trade businesses to request and manage quotes from their vendors and suppliers. The core value proposition is breathtakingly simple: to enable users to "just send the damn quote" without the overhead of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, lengthy consultant onboarding, or convoluted software training. It specifically targets business owners and teams who are deeply skeptical of over-engineered "platforms" and prefer tools that work intuitively from day one. By focusing exclusively on streamlining the Request for Quote (RFQ) workflow, Gimme-A-Quote delivers immediate value, reducing administrative time, minimizing errors, and accelerating the sourcing process, all through an interface that requires virtually no learning curve.

Features of Gimme-A-Quote

Quotes Without the Drama

This foundational feature strips away all unnecessary complexity from the quoting process. Gimme-A-Quote is not an ERP system and does not require consultant-led implementation. It provides a focused environment where users can create, send, and manage RFQs efficiently. The design philosophy prioritizes user sanity, offering a straightforward tool that accomplishes its singular task without inducing the frustration that leads to wanting to "throw your laptop across the shop." It’s built for getting quotes, not for managing every aspect of your business.

Stupid Simple Setup

The onboarding process is designed to be completed in minutes, not days or weeks. Users can create an account, invite their vendors via email, and send their first RFQ almost immediately. There is no lengthy manual, no library of training videos to watch, and no complex multi-step workflows to configure. The interface and workflow are so intuitive that the company claims "you already know how to use it." This eliminates traditional software barriers and gets teams productive from the moment they sign up.

Built for Software-Skeptical Teams

Gimme-A-Quote is meticulously crafted for small shops where teams groan at the mention of new software "platforms." Its user experience is simple and unambiguous, requiring minimal digital literacy to operate effectively. This consideration extends even to vendors who may not be tech-savvy, such as machine shop suppliers who "still carry a flip-phone." The system ensures that receiving and responding to an RFQ is a hassle-free process for all parties involved, fostering better collaboration.

Predictable, Transparent Pricing

The pricing model is straightforward and easy to budget for. It offers one low, flat price for all core functionality, accessible to every user on the plan. The only variable cost is for additional storage space, which is clearly defined. This approach provides complete cost predictability, contrasting sharply with the complex tiered pricing and hidden fees common in other business software. The value proposition is clear: it costs less than a weekly coffee habit while delivering tangible operational efficiency.

Use Cases of Gimme-A-Quote

Streamlining Machine Shop Procurement

A small machine shop frequently needs quotes for raw materials, specialized tooling, or subcontracting services. Using Gimme-A-Quote, the shop foreman can quickly draft an RFQ with part drawings and specifications, then send it directly to a shortlist of trusted vendors. The vendors receive a clear, standardized request and can reply with their quote through the same simple interface, consolidating all communication and pricing in one place for easy comparison.

Managing Project Bids for Trade Contractors

An electrical or plumbing contractor working on multiple project bids needs to gather material and labor costs from suppliers rapidly. Instead of juggling phone calls, emails, and spreadsheets, they use Gimme-A-Quote to send out simultaneous RFQs for all required items. This ensures all suppliers receive identical information, reduces follow-up communication, and allows the contractor to compile accurate total project quotes faster to submit more competitive bids.

Sourcing Parts for Prototype Development

A product design startup or an R&D team needs to source custom-manufactured components for a prototype. They can use Gimme-A-Quote to send detailed technical RFQs to several manufacturing vendors. The centralized platform helps track which vendors have responded, facilitates easy comparison of costs and lead times, and maintains a clear record of all communications and attached files, which is crucial for the iterative design process.

Simplifying Recurring Material Orders

A fabrication shop with recurring but variable material needs (like specific metal alloys or sheet goods) uses Gimme-A-Quote to manage periodic quote requests. Instead of re-negotiating via email each time, they can send a new RFQ for each job or monthly requirement through the system. This creates an audit trail, ensures pricing is always current, and saves significant administrative time for both the purchasing manager and the vendor's sales team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gimme-A-Quote a full ERP or inventory system?

No, Gimme-A-Quote is definitively not an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. It is a focused tool designed for a single, critical workflow: creating, sending, and managing Requests for Quotation (RFQs). It does not handle inventory management, accounting, complex scheduling, or other broad business functions. Its power lies in its simplicity and specialization, doing one job extremely well without the bloat of a comprehensive platform.

How technically savvy do my vendors need to be to use this?

Vendors require very little technical expertise. The system is designed to be accessible even to individuals who are not comfortable with complex software. Invited vendors receive a straightforward email link to view and respond to your RFQ. The interface for submitting a quote is simple and form-based, requiring no software installation or deep training. It's built to accommodate suppliers who prefer straightforward, practical tools.

What does the setup process actually involve?

The setup process is intentionally minimal. You simply create your company account, which takes a couple of minutes. Then, you can immediately start adding your vendor contacts by entering their email addresses. Once invited, you can create your first RFQ by filling in the project details, attaching any necessary files (like drawings or specs), and selecting which vendors to send it to. There are no modules to configure, no complex settings to adjust, and no mandatory training.

What is included in the "one low price" and what costs extra?

The one low, predictable price includes all core features of Gimme-A-Quote: unlimited users within your company, unlimited RFQs, unlimited vendor invitations, and access to the simple collaboration platform. The only potential additional cost is for extra file storage space if your usage exceeds the generous base storage allocation included in the plan. This model ensures you never encounter surprise fees for adding team members or sending more quotes.

Pricing of Gimme-A-Quote

The pricing for Gimme-A-Quote is designed to be simple and predictable. It features one flat, low price that covers all core functionality for everyone on your team. This includes creating accounts, inviting vendors, and sending unlimited RFQs. The only variable cost is for additional storage space, should your needs exceed the included base storage allowance. The company emphasizes that this cost is less than a typical weekly expenditure at Starbucks, positioning it as an accessible tool that provides significant value for small businesses without complex tiered plans or hidden fees.