Gimme-A-Quote

About Gimme-A-Quote

Gimme-A-Quote is a purpose-built, no-nonsense Request for Quote (RFQ) platform engineered for small manufacturing shops, machine shops, and trade businesses that prioritize function over flash. It directly addresses the frustration of cumbersome enterprise software by providing a streamlined, single-point solution for one critical task: sending and managing quotes. The platform's core value proposition is its radical simplicity and developer-friendly architecture, designed for immediate productivity without the typical overhead of ERP implementations or consultant-led onboarding. It serves as a lightweight integration layer between shop owners and their vendors, built on a modern, API-first tech stack that ensures reliability and straightforward compatibility with existing workflows. For teams that "hate software," Gimme-A-Quote offers a breath of fresh air—a tool that works the way you do, eliminating complexity and drama from the procurement process so you can focus on the work, not the workflow.

Features of Gimme-A-Quote

Zero-Complexity RFQ Engine

The core functionality is a clean, API-driven RFQ engine that strips away all unnecessary steps. Built with a minimalist UI and a robust backend, it allows users to generate and send detailed quote requests in minutes. The system is designed for stateless operations where possible, ensuring fast performance and easy integration into other shop management tools via webhooks or direct API calls, without requiring complex data mapping or middleware.

Vendor Portal with Universal Access

This feature provides a secure, simplified portal for your vendors, designed for maximum compatibility. It requires no software installation for vendors and is fully accessible via any modern web browser, ensuring even suppliers with minimal tech adoption can participate seamlessly. The portal uses responsive design principles and a RESTful API structure, making interactions predictable and reliable regardless of the vendor's device or technical sophistication.

Predictable, Flat-Rate Architecture

Reflecting its simple pricing, the platform's technical architecture is built on a flat-rate, scalable infrastructure model. This means predictable performance and costs, with clear boundaries for data storage. The system is containerized and operates on a cloud-native stack, allowing costs to remain low and transparent, scaling only with optional storage add-ons rather than feature-gated tiers or user licenses.

Frictionless Account & Invite System

The setup process is a direct reflection of a well-documented, automated CI/CD pipeline. Creating an account and inviting vendors is a matter of a few API calls, mirroring the user experience. There are no modules to configure, no training videos to watch, and no multi-step approval workflows to build. The system leverages OAuth-compatible protocols and straightforward email/SMS integrations for invitations, making onboarding a one-time, simple event.

Use Cases of Gimme-A-Quote

Rapid Outsourcing for Job Shops

Small machine or fabrication shops that frequently outsource specialized processes like heat treating or plating can use Gimme-A-Quote to simultaneously send RFQs to multiple vendors. The API-compatible system allows for quick attachment of CAD files or spec sheets, and collates responses in a single dashboard, enabling fast comparison and decision-making without email chains or phone tag.

Streamlining Procurement for Small Manufacturers

A small manufacturer needing recurring raw materials or standard components can integrate Gimme-A-Quote's workflow into their monthly procurement cycle. The predictable, scriptable nature of the platform allows for creating template RFQs that can be executed with minimal input, saving administrative time and ensuring consistent communication with a trusted vendor list.

Ad-Hoc Project Costing

For shops that work on custom, one-off projects, quickly gauging external costs is critical. A user can create an account, immediately invite a new vendor for a unique part, and send a detailed RFQ within the same hour. The vendor's quote comes back into the platform, providing a clear audit trail and cost basis for the final customer proposal, all without formal software training.

Simplifying Vendor Onboarding & Communication

Businesses struggling with suppliers who resist complex procurement software can use Gimme-A-Quote as a universal bridge. The vendor portal's extreme simplicity lowers the barrier to digital communication, allowing shops to modernize their quoting process without forcing partners onto a platform they find intimidating, effectively digitizing the handshake agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What technical integrations does Gimme-A-Quote support?

Gimme-A-Quote is built on an API-first architecture, offering RESTful endpoints for core functions like creating RFQs, managing vendors, and retrieving quotes. While it is a standalone, focused tool, it can be connected to other systems via webhooks for notifications and its open API for custom integrations, allowing data to flow into accounting or job tracking software without manual entry.

Is my data secure, and where is it hosted?

The platform employs standard enterprise-grade security practices including encryption in transit (TLS 1.2+) and at rest. While specific provider details are not disclosed, it is hosted on a major, compliant cloud infrastructure platform ensuring high availability and security. Vendor access is permission-based and audit-logged.

Can I use it if my vendors don't have an account?

Yes. The fundamental workflow involves you inviting a vendor via email. They receive a secure, unique link to access the RFQ and submit their quote through the vendor portal without needing to create a traditional account or remember a password, minimizing friction for non-technical users.

How does the pricing model work with the "extra storage" mention?

The platform operates on a simple flat-rate subscription. This base fee covers all users, features, and a standard allocation of file storage for RFQ attachments (like drawings or specs). If your shop consistently exceeds this storage quota, you pay a predictable, additional fee for the extra space, similar to cloud storage services. There are no per-user fees or tiered feature plans.

Pricing of Gimme-A-Quote

Gimme-A-Quote employs a straightforward, transparent pricing model centered on a single, low-cost subscription plan. The core philosophy is one flat rate that provides full access to the platform's RFQ and vendor management features for an unlimited number of users within your company. The only variable cost is for additional cloud storage space, should your usage exceed the generous base allocation included with the subscription. This model is designed to be predictable and affordable, explicitly positioned as costing less than a typical week's spending at a coffee chain, providing clear, upfront financial planning without hidden fees or complex per-seat licensing.