FAQ
You have a question? You can find the answers right here
Welcome to our FAQ page . Answers to the most frequently asked questions concerning Techpilot can be found here. Whether you are a buyer, a supplier, or simply looking for general information about using our platform, you will find the answers you need right here. If you require additional assistance, please feel free to contact our support team at any time.
General FAQs
What is Techpilot and how does the platform work?
Techpilot is an online platform that connects buyers and suppliers of off-drawing parts. Buyers can upload requests for quotation (RFQs) and suitable suppliers can submit offers in response to these requests. The platform makes the procurement process more efficient and transparent, helping to establish long-term partnerships.
How do I register with Techpilot?
Registering with Techpilot is quick and easy. Visit the website, click on "Register", complete the registration form and confirm your email address. We will then verify that you meet the criteria, in order to ensure high user quality on the platform.
Is Techpilot free to use?
Techpilot is completely free for buyers. The price and services for suppliers depend on the manufacturing technologies selected. There is a free basic profile, as well as a premium profile which incurs a fee. Further information on supplier pricing can be found here: Memberships
What information do I need to provide when registering?
To register, you need basic information such as your name, your company email address and company details.
How secure is my data on Techpilot?
Your data is stored securely and encrypted on Techpilot. We ensure that your information is protected in accordance with applicable data protection regulations. You can conclude an NDA with suppliers for sensitive data via our platform at any time.
For buyer
How can I create a new quote request?
To create a new quote request, log in to your account, click on “Create new quote request” and complete the form with the details of the components you require.
In which file formats can drawings be uploaded?
Drawings can be uploaded in DXF, STEP, IGES, Excel, ZIP and PDF formats.
How do I find the right supplier for my component?
Techpilot automatically displays suitable suppliers based on the requirements for your component. Suppliers can also be filtered manually.
Can I integrate existing suppliers?
Yes, the platform enables you to select your preferred suppliers and request quotes from them via a standardised process. This eliminates the time-consuming task of creating a comprehensive comparison of quotes.
What does the “hit rate” mean for suppliers?
The hit rate indicates how well a supplier matches your request. It is based on the match between the component specifications and the supplier profile.
How quickly will I receive offers?
This depends on the complexity of the part, the specified deadline and the response time of the suppliers. Quotes are usually provided within a few days.
Why haven't I received any quotes yet?
There may be several reasons why you have not received any quotes yet, for example, your requirements may be too specific or there may be a general lack of suppliers who are able to fulfil your request.
How does communication with suppliers work via the platform?
Messages can be sent to suppliers directly via the platform to obtain further information or ask questions.
How is supplier quality ensured?
Techpilot verifies suppliers before accepting them onto the platform to ensure they meet specific quality standards.
Where can I see which suppliers have already viewed my request?
Simply click on the request in question. Then go to the three dots (⋮) in the top right-hand corner and select “Requested suppliers.” There you will find a clear list of all requested suppliers and their respective status.
How can I create an additional user for my company?
Go to "Settings" in your profile and select “Users”. Click on "Add user". You can now enter your colleague's details and specify whether they should be displayed as a contact person and whether they should be given an admin role.
How do I proceed if I want to place an order?
Simply open the corresponding request in your account. Then click on the profile of the supplier to whom you want to award the contract. There you will find the stored telephone number and email address. Contact them directly - preferably with reference to the RFQ number (request for quote number) so that the supplier can clearly identify your request. You can then close the request on the platform, specifying to whom the RFQ was awarded.
Can I edit an RFQ (quote request) after it has been sent?
That depends on the status of the request:
- If the request has not yet been reviewed and approved by our team, you can simply contact us. We will then reset the request to “Prepared” status, allowing you to make changes.
- If the request has already been reviewed and published, direct editing is no longer possible. However, you can send a message to all the requested suppliers, for example to submit missing STEP files.
Simply go to the relevant request, click on the three dots (⋮) in the top right-hand corner and select "Message to all".
How can I exclude selected suppliers so that they can no longer see any future quote requests?
Simple: Click on ‘Settings’ in your profile, then on "Block list’. Enter the name of the company that you no longer want to see your quote requests – assuming that the company is stored in our system.
Can I request my existing regular suppliers via the platform?
If the supplier already has a Techpilot profile, you can save them as a favourite. If they do not yet have one, you can invite them to join. They do not need a premium profile for this. Refer to the contact persons.
For supplier
Can I preview the benefits of a premium membership?
Unfortunately, Techpilot does not currently offer a trial version. However, we would be happy to demonstrate the benefits of a Premium Membership in an online presentation. We will demonstrate the wide range of sales opportunities available to you and answer any questions you may have. Arrange an appointment today.
How long does Premium Membership last?
Membership lasts for 12 months and is automatically renewed for another 12 months unless cancelled. If you wish to cancel your membership, please send an email to: service@techpilot.com
How do I receive suitable quote requests?
Suitable requests will be displayed based on the information in your profile and the technologies you offer. To achieve the best results, ensure that your profile is up to date and complete.
Why am I not receiving any suitable requests?
If you are not seeing any suitable requests, this may be because your profile is incomplete, or the requirements are very specific. Check your profile and make sure that you have provided all the relevant information.
Are orders guaranteed?
We are a sales platform where you receive specific requests from buyers and can establish profitable customer contacts with good offers. However, we cannot provide any guarantees.
How can I submit an offer?
To submit an offer, click on the respective quote request and submit your offer via the platform.
What information do I need to provide in an offer?
Ensure that all the necessary information regarding price, delivery time and any essential production details is included.
How are my offers presented to the customer?
Your offers are displayed directly in the buyer's request overview. Potential customers can then compare your offer with others and select the successful proposal.
Why is the buyer profile/RFQ blocked to me, even though it corresponds with my premium technology?
This may be due to your profile settings or the specific criteria of the RFQ/buyer. Please email service@techpilot.com and we can check the possibility of releasing it for you.
Can I retrieve an archived RFQ from the archive myself?
This is not (yet) possible - archived requests cannot be retrieved or processed further by the user. Please contact service@techpilot.com, so that we can reactivate the RFQ.
Why can't I see any offer reviews even though the offer has ended?
The offer review is visible if you have submitted an offer yourself and the RFQ has been automatically moved to the “Completed” folder after the buyer has closed the request. For various reasons, this may happen days after the official end date. Techpilot will close the request no later than 30 days after the end of the offer period.
Can I see which requests my colleagues are currently processing with their user login?
In the “In progress” and “Completed” folders, you can select both “My requests” and “All requests from my company” via the drop-down menu at the top. This gives you a complete overview of all users.