How does Drag, Drop, Source! work?
First of all, we believe you need to work directly with the manufacturers!
Unlike most on-demand manufacturing platforms, where you deal with the middleman instead of your supplier, we offer a transparent route for you to speak to the suppliers directly from the very start of your project through to delivery and aftercare. Helping you to form long-term partnerships with manufacturers you can trust to make your components and products.
Here is a quick guide on how Drag, Drop, Source! actually works and when you are ready, start by uploading your drawings.
NEW FEATURE: All your quotes now in one place!
The sourcing platform now offers a new feature where suppliers can upload quotes and supporting documents all in one place, making it easier for buyers to access and manage their quotes.
- Convenient and easy access to all supplier quotes and supporting documents in one place.
- Simplifies the quoting process for buyers, eliminating the need to track down multiple quotes and associated information.
- Increased efficiency and time-saving, allowing buyers to quickly compare quotes and make informed decisions.
4. Track your projects, receive messages and see in-depth supplier profiles.
Qimtek's sourcing service is specifically designed to help busy manufacturing buyers save time. That is why we've created a bespoke buying platform for you to track the progress of the project. Once you have submitted your first project you will be able to access the Members Area.
From here you will be able to upload multiple projects and then see all the suppliers that have indicated an interest, view in-depth supplier profiles as well as receive and respond to their messages. In addition, you can also access reviews from other buyers, allowing you to place your business with confidence.
A wide range of manufacturing capabilities:
Our suppliers can handle anything from prototyping to full production runs!
With such a large number of suppliers on hand, we can help you to find the right supplier for your current and future needs.
We have subcontract manufacturers who specialise in low batch components, through to factories that specialising in making parts in high volumes and fast turnaround.
- Design & Development
- Rapid Protoyping
- One-Off Products
- Prototype to Production
- Full Production Runs
- Fast Turnaround
- KANBAN
- Just In Time (JIT)
Manufacturing in almost any material:
Blog: How to manage increasing material costs
Sourcing Advisors are on hand to help connect you with the right suppliers!
Once you have uploaded your first project you will asigned with one of our Sourcing Advisors. Each sourcing account manager has an in-depth knowledge of the suppliers within our network as well as their capabilities, meaning that they are able to recommend and liaise with the best subcontract engineering specialists for your requirements.
With or without the NDA, it's been successful everytime...
I have used Qimtek sourcing service several times, using a Non Disclosure Agreement and I must say, it works very effectively and does the job on sensitive projects. It saves us a lot of time as Qimtek collect the signed NDA's before releasing the drawings to potential suppliers to quote. I'm pleased with the responses coming back, and have awarded my projects to a few of Qimteks Members. I would highly recommend using Qimtek sourcing service with or without the NDA, it's been successful everytime
Design Engineer at Compak Ramps Ltd
Looked at similar services, Qimtek is definitely the best...
Qimtek offers a really good free service that keeps in touch with me when I need, and helps by sending information from possible suppliers, as well as finding additional suppliers (all within the UK) when my current supplier base can't manage the requirement. After having looked at similar services, the service offered by Qimtek is definitely the best in my opinion.
Buyer from Eskan Electronics Ltd
We have managed to increase our supplier base significantly...
Working with Qimtek has been a very rewarding and beneficial partnership. We have managed to increase our supplier base significantly, which in turn, has enabled up to keep our customer’s lead times at a minimum. We started using Qimtek in 2017 and now work with at least 10 different UK suppliers to date through the system. Using Qimtek means we no longer need to spend time researching and vetting suppliers - instead, we use this time to concentrate on other important tasks and I would definitely recommend using Qimtek.
Buyer from Approved Hydraulics Ltd
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does it work?
Qimtek's sourcing service is designed to take the headache out of finding new engineering suppliers, making it a really simple way of sourcing for your subcontract projects. Simply upload your drawings using our online Drag, Drop, Source! service, or email them to mailto:[email protected]. Our sourcing account managers will then review your drawings and ensure that we have all the information we need, before compiling your project and sending it to relevant suppliers. From there, suppliers will contact you directly with their quote. The relationship is always kept directly between the buyer and supplier - we simply put you in touch with subcontract suppliers who can assist, saving you the time and hassle of contacting multiple companies individually.
Qimtek Vs On-Demand manufacturing platforms?
Most, not all on-demand platforms can often be a middle man that will put a mark up on your components. They will usually sub contract your parts out to be manufactured. In most cases you will not get to speak with the manufacturers directly which can cause difficulties when discussing complex projects. Qimtek is totally different. We put you in direct contact from the start so you can chat, form a relationship and grow your supply chain with the added bonus of not receiving quotes with mark up on your components or additionall subscription charges for using our Drag, Drop, Source platform.
Why is the sourcing service free?
Qimtek is supplier-funded, meaning that there is absolutely no cost to use our sourcing service. Our supplier members pay a flat monthly subscription fee to receive and quote for projects - we never charge manufacturing buyers for finding them new suppliers, nor do we take commission from either side on projects that have been awarded to our members.
My projects are sensitive...
Not a problem! Qimtek is a closed network and our members are forbidden from sharing information with third parties by our terms & conditions. However, if you need a bit of extra security, we can attach a non-disclosure agreement to your project, which members will have to sign and return before gaining access to the drawings. We can accommodate your company's own non-disclosure agreement, or Qimtek has a standard NDA which can be used if you prefer.
Do the quotes come directly back to us?
Yes! Your contact details will appear on your project so that suppliers can submit their quotes to you directly. This allows you to get an impression of the suppliers firsthand before placing your business. We will also specify on the project how you prefer to be contacted, whether by email or telephone.
My project is urgent, how quickly can we expect quotes?
Most of the projects published through our network receive quotes the same day - however, this can vary depending on the process, material and approvals you require. Non-disclosure agreements can also slow the response rate slightly. We always recommend giving suppliers at least a week to quote so that you can thoroughly benchmark the responses you receive. If you decide to move forward with a supplier within that time, then no problem - you can simply close the project through your online account.