Frequently Asked Questions
► Providers
Buyers
How does QuoteConnect work for Buyers?
As a buyer with QuoteConnect (a completely free service to use, and free to register) you may submit requests for quotes any time, for a wide range of services and goods simply by filling out the relevant form. We'll quickly confirm your request so we can forward it on to up to 5 trusted providers that you will receive quotes from within the time frame that you have specified in the form. Our unique and helpful request forms have been professionally designed to ensure that you the buyer are guided properly in filling out a complete and accurate request form which will in turn make it easier for providers to supply you with better quotes.
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What is the difference between a Buyer and a Provider?
Buyers: Send requests for services and goods and receive quick quotes, for free.
Providers: Receive requests and then submit quotes to the buyer, either online via the QuoteConnect interface, or offline via telephone/email.
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How do I Register as a Buyer?
Anyone can register as a buyer with QuoteConnect and it's a completely FREE service to use! We deeply encourage you to take advantage of it as it will save you a bundle of time, effort and money. To get started, simply click here (to fill out the buyers registration form) and follow the instructions. After submitting your registration, you will immediately be able to submit requests for quotes as freely as you like (providing each request is serious and that even though you are in no way obligated to make a purchase, your intention should be at least to purchase it at some point in the future).
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How do I send Requests for Quotes?
Sending requests with QuoteConnect is simple! Go to the homepage, search and click on the category that you would like to receive quotes for. You will notice that a unique, specialised form has been designed for each individual category and through the specific questions we ask, it enables providers to give you a complete, accurate quote in a short period of time.
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How will I know when a Provider has submitted me a new Quote?
Each time you receive a new quote, you will be notified by email telling you that you that a new quote has been submitted for your viewing. You simply need to login to your account (and click on "My Quotes" to find and view the full details of the quote that you have received. Alternatively, you may simply login to your QuoteConnect account on a regular basis and you will see any new quotes appearing there as providers submit them.
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How long (after I've sent a Request) will it take to receive Quotes?
One of the reasons why people love using the QuoteConnect service is because as a buyer, you get to choose the deadline of receiving requests. Obviously to utilise the QuoteConnect service properly, it makes sense to give providers more time to respond however we understand your need of receiving quotes in a timely manner. The "Deadline of receiving quotes" which you will nominate at the end of your request form will motivate businesses to reply to your request before this date to increase their own chances of winning your business as a buyer. Similar to eBay, the QuoteConnect interface is so advanced that it allows you to interact/communicate with providers that submit quotes to you (before and after you have filled out your request for quotes). Alternatively, you have the possibility talk to providers externally by phone or email in case either of you have any questions.
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How many Quotes can I expect to receive?
QuoteConnect aspires to provide you with up to 5 quotes for each request you send however this amount is dependent on the nature of the request and the industry that it belongs to.
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How do I communicate with a Provider once I submit a Request for Quotes?
After the provider has submitted its quote for your request, you then receive the details of the provider and you can communicate directly with them in whichever way you prefer (phone, email...). You may also ask 'public' questions or send messages to all the relevant providers who have quoted you and these questions get answered in a public forum for all providers to see.
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Can Providers see my personal data and can I modify it?
Providers are able see your personal details only after you submitted your request for quotes. They cannot see all the details you entered upon registration (as some were for the use of QuoteConnect only) but most of your general personal details can be displayed to providers. Remember, Frequently Asked Questions...
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What if I want to receive Quotes for a Category that is not listed?
QuoteConnect is constantly trying to improve its service to you by enlarging its range of "quotable industries". If you find a category is not listed, contact us immediately by emailing: info@quoteconnect.com.au and we will try to organise adding this category immediately, adding a form and allowing you to submit your request for quotes within hours.
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Does it cost anything to Register or Submit Requests?
No! QuoteConnect is FREE to Register and a completely FREE service to use for anyone who wants to request quotes for a particular service or good. We encourage you to submit as many requests as you like so you can take advantage of this fantastic service that will save you time, effort and money. Please be aware, we only accept serious, worthwhile requests that have your intention of purchase at some point in the future. Although QuoteConnect is only a means of providing you with quotes and that you are in no way obligated to "select a winning provider" out of the quotes we provide you with, please be considerate and make sure that you only submit a request if your intention is to purchase this service or good at some point. Keep in mind, all requests are quickly screened and confirmed before they are forwarded onto providers.
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What happens after I've received my Quotes?
After you have received all your Quotes and you have decided who is the best Provider for you, you can then login to your account and "Select A Winner". Then you can simply contact this provider if they haven't already contacted you to initiate the service! By "Selecting A Winner", QuoteConnect appreciates that you have chosen one of its trusted providers and to show our appreciation, we are constantly sending out buyer's rewards on a regular basis! Please understand that you are not obligated to "Select A Winner" for each request you send however to keep the QuoteConnect service free-to-use for buyers and to ensure a smoother flow for the QuoteConnect network, we greatly appreciate it when you do. Once the job is done, if you could be so kind as to leave some feedback about that provider (it will only take you a second and it will greatly help us maintain our high level of service). This "feedback" function allows us to monitor our providers and make sure they deliver the highest quality of service to our buyers.
Does anything happen if I don't "Select A Winning Provider"?
Definitely not, that is entirely your choice! QuoteConnect provides you with comparable quotes for your convenience, the rest is up to you! Having said that, by "Selecting A Winner" for a request after you have received all your quotes, you will benefit by (a) ensuring the QuoteConnect service remains a free-to-use service for its buyers (b) creating a smoother flow in the cycle of the QuoteConnect network and finally (c) QuoteConnect constantly rewards its buyers for selecting providers of the QuoteConnect network!
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Why should I trust QuoteConnect's Providers?
Through strict Quality Control methods, QuoteConnect does its absolute best to ensure that it only registers providers that meet the highest of standards. Each time you send a request viaQuoteConnect, all we ask is that you "Select A Winner" and finally once the job is done if you could be so kind as to leave some feedback about that provider. This "feedback" function allows us to monitor our providers and make sure they deliver the highest quality of service to our buyers.
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Providers
Can anyone Register as a Provider with QuoteConnect?
In theory, as long as your company/business has an ABN, you are welcome to join QuoteConnect's flourishing network of providers. However, there is a certain standard of quality that must be met at all times and this standard is constantly monitored through Quality Control measures such as the feedback that is given to us by the buyers that you fulfil requests for.
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How does QuoteConnect work for me as a Provider?
As a provider with QuoteConnect, you will register yourself into the relevant categories of goods and services that your business provides. Once registered, you will then start to receive requests/leads from customers who fit your exact criteria and you pay-per-lead (Click here for lead pricing). You are notified by email each time a request comes your way and you submit your quote to the buyer (usually online by simply logging into your account and responding via our unique and professional "quoting interface". You may set a cap on the amount of requests you receive per month for each category you are registered in allowing you to manage your advertising budget. You also will appear in the QuoteConnect directory (at no additional cost) where you have the ability to write information about your company, highlighting your competitive edge. Each month, the total leads received are debited from your nominated method of payment.
What is the difference between a Buyer and a Supplier?
Buyers: Send requests for services or goods and receive quick quotes, for free.
Providers: Receive requests and then submit quotes to the buyer, either online using the QuoteConnect interface, or offline via telephone/email.
We already have a website and advertise thoroughly, why should we Register with QuoteConnect?
QuoteConnect.com.au has a strong presence on all the main search engines such as Google, Yahoo, MSN, Ask.com, Business.com etc. In addition to our powerful online presence, QuoteConnect.com.au has managed to create a large referral-based network. Not only will we bring you more business, but the fact of the matter is, the kind of leads we send you are designed to save you time and enhance your productivity (allowing you to service more customers in a shorter time period).
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We're too busy with our current workload, why should we join?
If you're a booming business with an overflow of customers, QuoteConnect is ideal for you. Think of the time you will save when you receive detailed "final" requests from customers who know exactly what they want. All you will need to do is submit your quote! The sales you get from QuoteConnect can involve little-to-no time at all with the customer and with all the time you save, you could be serving other customers - Quick QuoteConnect one's!
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What qualifications must a Provider have to join QuoteConnect?
Basically, you must have an ABN. The quality control component of QuoteConnect, and the standard which we expect from our providers is something that we initiate once you join, over time through each feedback that buyers leave about you (the provider). QuoteConnect also checks its members for lawsuits, judgements and bankruptcies in the last three years.
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How will I know when a Buyer has submitted a New Request?
Once a request has been submitted by the buyer, QuoteConnect confirms it and then forwards it onto you, the provider. An automatic email is sent to you to let you know that you have received a new request and that you need to submit a quote for it. Once you, the provider, receive this email you may log in to view and respond to the request within the buyers deadline. Alternatively, without checking your email each time, you can simply log in with your QuoteConnect login interface to regularly view all your requests.
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How do I submit a Quote?
Firstly, you need to be registered with QuoteConnect as a provider and this is a basic process that can be done by clicking on the "Providers Register" button on the home page. During registration, you are asked to nominate which categories (e.g. Business cards, Graphic Design etc..) you would like to receive requests for. Then, each time a request matches your profile, you are sent an email with a link. You simply need to remember your login (your email address) and password (that you chose) to log in. You will then click on "Quote this request!" and there you will have the fields required to submit your quote.
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How long (after I receive the Request) do I have to submit a Quote?
When a Buyer sends through a request, they select a deadline for receiving quotes and as a provider, you are required to submit your quote before this deadline. Usually you will have a few days, sometimes weeks to answer, but we strongly recommend that you submit quotes as quickly as you can in order to increase your chance of winning each lead.
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How will I know if I've won the Request/Lead?
After the buyer selects a winner (i.e. a provider has won), all the relevant providers receive an email to let them know that the request has been closed and that you should login to your account immediately to see if you are the winner. When you're the winner of a particular lead, it will say "You won this Request" and similarly if you didn't win, it will tell you that you didn't win. There are instances whereby a provider such as yourself will deal with a lead externally, by phone or email - In some cases the buyer may forget, or simply may not choose a "winner" online, they may just deal with things completely offline. In this case it is marked as "No Recorded Winner". When you see this status, feel free to contact the buyer to find out what's going on, and it would be handy for you to let the buyer know that in future, they should select a winner online to avoid receiving further phone calls because they hadn't selected a winner causing each provider to be uncertain as to what's happening.
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Can buyers see my personal data and can I modify it?
Buyers can see your details only after you submitted a quote. They cannot see all the details you entered when you register (for the use of QuoteConnect only) but your public details only (such as the name of your company, email, telephone, etc...)
You can always modify your personal details, as well as you bank details. Simply login and click on "My Profile".
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Can I submit requests as a provider?
Yes! When you register as a Provider, we automatically open an Buyer account for you in the same time. So you can use the same login and password to send a request. In "My Account" you will be able to choose either to see your Buyer or you Provider profile.
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How many Requests will I receive per month?
That will depend on the industry and on yourself. Some of our providers receive requests every day and some only one a week. You can decide the maximum of leads you would like to receive per industry when you register.
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Can I modify the Maximum of Requests that I receive per month?
Yes! You simply need to login, click on "My Subscription" followed by "My Categories", and you are able to modify the 'Maximum amount of leads per month' at any time.
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How much does the QuoteConnect service cost? (View our Pricing)
You only pay for leads from buyers who match the type of work you do within the areas you prefer to work. We charge a fee for every lead regardless of the outcome. The requests fees have been priced in a way that even with a small win percentage, QuoteConnect will be your lowest cost of advertising. Depending on the job type, most of our providers close 10% - 50% of the leads they purchase. Even if they win only one out of every ten they have only paid a small amount for that new customer. View our pricing
When you register, you can decide the maximum of requests that you want to receive every month so you can manage your advertising budget. Some of our providers receive leads everyday and some only one a week.
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Upon Registration, is there any transaction done online and is it safe?
In order to register and start receiving requests, you will need to finalise your payment details (whether you're paying by credit/debit card or by filling out a 'direct debit request' form). QuoteConnect uses the best of online security to protect its providers' information, and there is no need for you to worry about the security of your credit card details. To process a "direct debit request" form, you will incur a one-off $2.20 processing fee (which we are charged from our payment provider). After registration, no other transaction is processed and you will only be charged once you start receiving requests/leads on a monthly basis. Bare in mind, as soon as your registration has been confirmed, you are awarded your QuoteConnect complimentary lead-cash dollars.
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When will I be billed for the Requests that I receive?
Either your Credit Card/Debit Card or "direct debit account" will be debited on a monthly basis, on the 5th of each calendar month.
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What if my Category is not listed?
QuoteConnect is constantly trying to improve its service to you by enlarging its range of "quotable industries". If you find your category is not listed, contact us immediately by emailing: info@quoteconnect.com.au and a consultant will contact you with the intention of creating a new category for you.
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How do I Register as a Provider?
Registering as a provider with QuoteConnect is simple. To get started, simply click here (which will take you to the Providers Registration Form) and follow the instructions. You will need the details of your company/business (such as: Name, ABN, contact details etc). After submitting your registration, QuoteConnect customer service will be in touch with you immediately to verify and validate your registration. Generally, you can expect to start receiving requests as quickly as within 24 hours!
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How do I communicate with the Buyer after I receive their Request?
When you receive a request you have the ability to ask questions to the buyer through your login facility. The buyer is immediately notified by email when you send a message/question about the request and vice versa if the buyer has a question for you. As soon as you have submitted your quote to the buyer, you gain access to all the buyer's contact details and you can then also choose to contact them by phone or email (although it is preferred by all parties if while the request is still pending, you mainly contact through the QuoteConnect interface).
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What if I receive a Request/Lead that does not match my parameters?
If you have received a request that doesn't match your parameters, we will credit the amount of the leads to your account. To view our lead return policy, click here.
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How do I cancel My Account?
QuoteConnect offers an open cancellation policy to all of our Providers. If for any reason you wish to cancel your account, simply send an email to: providers@quoteconnect.com.au with the subject: "Cancellation". We will discontinue assigning leads to your account within 48 hours and you are only responsible to pay the outstanding balance you owe. Should you choose to cancel our services within the first 7 days, your annual fee (if not already waived by any promotion) will be refunded.
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