Vendor Part Requests – How It Works
What is a Part Request?
A customer may be looking for a particular outboard part but cannot find it in the OutboardBits marketplace.
They can send a Part Request to let our vendors know what they are looking for.
If you have the part, or can source it, you can submit a quote directly to the customer.
1. Finding Part Requests
Log in to your OutboardBits Vendor Dashboard.
From your vendor menu, go to:
Vendor Part Requests
Here you can see part requests submitted by customers.
2. Open a Part Request
Click on a request to view the full details.
Check the information supplied by the customer, which may include:
Part name or description
Part number
Engine make
Engine model
Horsepower
Approximate year
New or used requirement
Any additional information supplied by the customer
Read the request carefully before submitting a quote.
If you are unsure whether your part is suitable, ask for clarification before quoting.
3. Check if You Have the Part
Before submitting a quote, make sure that:
You have the correct part
The part number matches, where provided
The part is suitable for the customer’s engine
You know whether the part is new or used
You can supply the part within a reasonable time
If the request does not provide enough information to identify the part correctly, do not guess.
4. Submit Your Quote
If you can supply the requested part, select the option to Submit a Quote.
Enter the requested information.
This will normally include:
Price:
Enter the price you are charging for the part.
Condition:
State whether the part is new or used.
Availability:
Let the customer know whether the part is in stock or needs to be sourced.
Additional information:
Add any useful information about the part.
For used parts, it is particularly helpful to describe the condition and mention any known faults or wear.
When you have checked everything, submit your quote.
5. After You Submit Your Quote
Your quote is sent to the customer.
The customer can then review the quote along with any other quotes they have received.
You do not need to contact the customer separately unless the system or the customer asks you to provide additional information.
6. If the Customer Accepts Your Quote
If the customer accepts your quote, the request moves forward to the purchasing stage.
Follow the order information shown in your Vendor Dashboard.
The sale will then be handled through the normal OutboardBits order process.
7. Completing the Order
Once the customer has completed the purchase:
Check the order details.
Confirm that you have the correct part.
Prepare the part for collection or delivery.
Follow the shipping or collection instructions shown with the order.
Update the order as required through your Vendor Dashboard.
Make sure the part supplied matches the description and quote accepted by the customer.
Important
Please do not guess
If you are not certain that a part is suitable, do not quote it as the correct part.
A wrong part can cause problems for both the customer and the vendor.
Give accurate information
Always provide an accurate:
Price
Part description
Condition
Availability
Delivery or collection information
Used parts
When selling used parts, be honest about their condition.
If there is damage, corrosion, wear or another known problem, mention it in your quote.
Part numbers
Where possible, include the manufacturer’s part number.
This makes it much easier for the customer to confirm that the part is correct.
A Simple Example
A customer submits:
Wanted: Mercury 15hp carburettor
Part number: Unknown
Condition: Used acceptable
You have a suitable used Mercury 15hp carburettor.
You check that it is suitable and submit a quote:
Part: Mercury 15hp carburettor
Condition: Used – good working condition
Price: £75
Availability: In stock
Additional information: Removed from a running engine and checked before removal.
The customer can then review your quote and decide whether to purchase it.
Need Help?
If you are unsure how to submit a quote or have a problem with a Part Request, contact OutboardBits Support before completing the transaction.
We are here to help make the process as straightforward as possible.
Need Help?
If your store doesn’t look right:
support@outboardbits.co.uk