Request Board Module: Find Hard-to-Locate Products with Ease

The Request Board module on Automa.Net offers a seamless way to submit product requests that aren’t available via search. Whether you need hard-to-find parts or specific brands, this tool simplifies the process. Here’s how to access the module and what you’ll find inside.

To get started, click the "Request Board" option in the side menu.

The module features three main tabs for easy navigation:

• All Requests: Shows all active product requests.
• My Requests: Displays requests that you’ve submitted.
• Watchlist: Contains requests you’ve either added to your watchlist or submitted an offer for.

There’s also a variety of filtering options available, including:

• Search: Filter by brand, part number, or request title.
• Filters: Narrow down results by brand, shipping country, or requests without any current offers.
• Sorting: Sort requests by publication date, creation date, or expiration date.

There are two ways to add a new request:

Click the “Add New Request” button.

If a product is unavailable through search,

click the "Add [Part Number]” button to submit a new request.

After clicking the button, you’ll be directed to a form where you’ll provide details like:

• Request Title
• Required Delivery Time
• Expiration Date
  
• Table of searched products (part number, brand, qty, description)

You can manually add products or upload a file containing your request. The file will be automatically processed and displayed in a table for review. Additionally, you can upload up to six images in formats like JPEG, PNG, or WEBP. If the product matches a listing in our catalog, catalog images and details like weight, EAN, or UPC will be added automatically.

Additional Information You Can Include:

• General Comments: For example, product condition or lead time.
• Custom Reference Number
• Target Price and Currency
• Product Condition Preferences
• Preferred Incoterms
• Specify if Substitute Products are acceptable.

What happens after submitting the request:

Once your request is submitted, it will be visible on the Request Board for all companies. Additionally, email notifications will be sent to companies that have the requested product in their inventory. This helps you collect the most competitive proposals.

Click the "Quote Now" button.

After clicking the Quote Now button, you have two options to submit your quote:

1. Manual Entry: Fill out the table for the requested products by providing key information such as Quantity, Unit Net Price, Condition, Lead Time, optional Country of Origin (COO), and Description.
2. File Upload: Upload an Excel or PDF file with your quote. The system will automatically process the file and display the results in a table, allowing you to verify the data and make any necessary corrections.

Additionally, you can fill in extra details, including:

• General Notes for the entire quote
• Quote Expiration Date
• Currency of the quote
• Incoterms
• Additional Costs like packaging or shipping.

At the end, a summary of your quote will be displayed, including:

• Value of Goods (Net)
• Additional Charges
• Total Amount Due (Net)
• Automa.Net Service Fee (only paid if you make a sale).

Each request contains comprehensive information to help sellers evaluate and respond effectively. This includes:

• Request Title
• Reference Number
• Product Images (if available)
• How many offers were set
• List of Requested Products with details like part number, brand, quantity, weight, EAN, and UPC
• Buyer Information (company type, country of delivery, company registration date on Automa.Net, number of employees, annual turnover)

Additionally, the Offers Section is visible only to the request owner and the seller who has submitted a quote. This allows each party to see only their own offers while keeping the overall bidding confidential.

The Request Board module is an excellent resource for finding and sourcing hard-to-locate products. Whether you’re submitting or responding to requests, this tool helps streamline the process and connect with suppliers more effectively.